Gifted Learners as Exceptional Learners

I recently finished teaching a university graduate education course where we learned about adaptations, accommodations, and modifications for students on the Exceptionality Continuum.  This Continuum does not only include students with exceptionalities such as disabilities, it also includes the range of giftedness because gifted children are exceptional learners.

In this class we learned about many education topics related to gifted learners and how to provide adaptations for their many learning needs.  The graduate students, who were all practicing teachers, were so surprised to learn that many of the things they learned in college and are required by their principal and school district are myths associated with gifted learners.  We had many discussions about how important it is for gifted learners to actually learn something new each and every day, and how teachers can accomplish that.  Most of the graduate students didn’t even realize how toxic their classroom could be for gifted learners.  I was happy to share resources with them so they may excitedly enter this new school year ready to meet the needs of gifted students and learn from their gifted students how to do it.  We discussed how to empower gifted learners to advocate for themselves and how teachers can help them do it.

As we approach a new school year it may be a good refresher to read or re-read some of the basic concepts about gifted learners.  Below are some links to read and consider.

Myths About Gifted Students
http://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/myths-about-gifted-students

Is It A Cheetah, by: Stephanie Tolan
http://www.stephanietolan.com/is_it_a_cheetah.htm

Identifying gifted learners.  
http://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/gifted-education-practices/identification