Many parents that have children that are identified as talented or gifted assume that their child will do well in any school setting. After all the child is gifted so they should excel in any setting, right? Actually no. Kids that are gifted require a special environment that will meet their needs. A lot of students that score very high on IQ tests do not do well in a traditional school setting. In fact many drop out of school. They become bored, socially isolated, unhappy and unmotivated. The estimates vary, but there are believed to be three million or more students in kindergarten through 12 grade classrooms nationwide that are academically, artistically or athletically gifted. Although they have the ability to be high-achievers they do not have the support needed at school to meet their needs. As a result they do not achieve to their full potential.
What Does Gifted Mean?
Gifted refers to having high ability in art, academics, athletics or another area. Although many schools restrict gifted and talented programs to academics, it is important not to forget about achievement. In addition to having a talent or being gifted the child must be able to use that talent to perform at remarkably high levels. Many gifted students have the prospective to accomplish quite a bit but never do. Such students may not have an ideal learning environment and end up underachieving as a result. This is one reason why your child may need a school for gifted and talented.
What to Look for in Gifted Education
In order to help your gifted child achieve their full potential it is important to choose a school for gifted and talented that will meet their unique needs. When choosing a school for your child it is important to choose a school that is specifically designed to address the learning styles and needs of gifted students. The school should employ faculty that are trained in teaching gifted students. A community of like-minded peers provides the ideal social environment for gifted children. This type of supportive environment can help your gifted son or daughter become an advanced learner.
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