Who is gifted?
Arizona Republic
Oct. 8, 2006

Who is gifted?
Students may be enrolled in a gifted program if they receive a score in the 97th percentile or higher on any one of a large group of ability tests approved by the state. The group of tests measures a child's mental age vs.
chronological age.

To get into a gifted program, a parent must sign permission for testing.
State law mandates testing at least three times a year. If the students are designated gifted, state law mandates school districts offer specialized lessons, classes or other types of programs that challenge them. Services vary widely among school systems. Those interested can log onto Azgifted.org.

Here are some characteristics of gifted children.


• Excellent memory.


• Persistent, goal-directed.


• Verbal proficiency, large vocabulary, breadth of information in advanced areas.


• Questioning attitude, intellectual curiosity, demanding of consistency and logic.


• High energy, alert and eager for new challenges.


• Dislike for routine and drill.


• May be perceived as stubborn.


• May have peer difficulties but works well with older students.


• Frustrated with inactivity or slow pace and is not reluctant to let others know about it.


• May reject or rebel against group work perceived to be irrelevant, so needs to understand the "why" of assignments.


How to help gifted children



• Foster independence.


• Recognize achievement.


• Assist in setting long-term goals.


• Resist comparing children's abilities.


• Inspire novel ideas and creative thoughts.


• Support participating in outside activities.


• Invite questions and provide honest answers.


• Make use of resource people in the community.


• Encourage trial and error and risk-taking.


• Promote appropriate behavior and polite questions.


• Emphasize poetry, music, art and other forms of expression.


• Help your child recognize strengths as well as areas that need attention.



Source: Gilbert Unified School District


Gifted education goals



• Challenge students to reach their potential.


• Promote academic rigor.


• Develop and maintain an interest in school.


• Improve creativity and problem-solving abilities.


• Broaden experiences.


• Create a positive atmosphere for learning.


• Provide appropriate pacing.


• Associate with students of similar abilities.


• Encourage active participate in class.


• Provide a context for application of classroom learning to problem-solving
situations.