What is Gifted?

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Continued from Resources...

Giftedness is a multi-dimensional, dynamic, free-spirited way of “being” - an innate quality projected (or energized) by a heightened sense of awareness. An acute sense of the world.The ability to see the multitude of never-ending paths, connections and interpretations.

Giftedness is the immersion of feelings and perceptions encompassed by the ability to efficiently receive and interpret vast amounts of information.

Giftedness is the heightened ability to synthesize, reflect and continue to develop from within; to self-actualize.

Giftedness is Inherent, Multi-Dimensional, Dynamic Awareness.                                  

                                                            - Vanessa R. Wood https://giftedconsortium.com/giftedness/

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is a leading national advocacy group that supports gifted and talented children and their families through education, advocacy, and research. The current NAGC definition states: Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10% or rarer) in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensorimotor skills (e.g., painting, dance, sports). (NAGC, 2016)

The Columbus Group (1991) provided the most holistic definition addressing both high intellectual capacity and heightened inner experiences. They defined Giftedness as: asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching, and counseling in order for them to develop optimally (Tolan & Piechowski, 2013, p. 3). In addition, the Columbus Group recommended modifications in parenting, teaching, and counseling, areas that encompass the whole child. 

Students with gifts and talents perform - or have the capability to perform - at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential. Students with gifts and talents: 

• Come from all racial, ethnic, and cultural populations, as well as all economic strata.
• Require sufficient access to appropriate learning opportunities to realize their potential.
• Can have learning and processing disorders that require specialized intervention and accommodation.
• Need support and guidance to develop socially and emotionally as well as in their areas of talent.
• Require varied services based on their changing needs.

Other resources:

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)

Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development 

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