Unlocking Potential: Understanding and Supporting Twice Exceptional Learners

Location: Tundra CD

Description: This presentation will provide participants with a basic foundational understanding of Twice Exceptional (2e) learners—students who demonstrate both advanced abilities and disabilities. Attendees will explore the definitions and distinctions between students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and those who require a 504 Plan, while identifying the unique overlap among students who are Twice Exceptional. The session will also emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse and complex needs of all learners, particularly those whose strengths may mask their challenges—or vice versa. Participants will also be introduced to the concept of Intangible Drivers, uncovering how motivation and identity can be powerful levers in effectively supporting 2e students in both academic and social-emotional domains. Through this lens, educators will gain insight into more personalized and purposeful approaches for helping Twice Exceptional learners thrive.


Participant Outcomes: 

  1. Define 2e
  2. Identify the overlap of students who qualify for an IEP vs a 504 and the commonalities with students that are gifted and talented
  3. Identifying students who are 2e, understanding the unique needs of all students and how to leverage that uniqueness to motivate, support, and serve students who are 2e, and identify additional strategies to support students who are 2e