The Importance of Identifying Giftedness

This article previously referenced specific information about Seattle Public Schools’ Advanced Learning Services. Please refer to the Seattle Public Schools Advanced Learning Department’s Website for this information.

The word “gifted” or “highly capable” conjures up images of a bespectacled, awkward prodigy. The truth is far from this common image. Highly capable learners are more common and on the rise in the Seattle area.

What does highly capable even mean and how can you identify your child?

It is hard to identify giftedness casually. Most parents of highly capable students think of their children as bright but the idea that they might be highly capable seems remote and even elitist. Giftedness is common. Highly capable learners, as young as two and three years of age demonstrates some of these common characteristics:

• Highly curious
• Strong memory
• Attention to detail
• Strong emotions and sensitive
• Need 1-2 repetitions for mastery
• Prefer adults to peers making it hard for them to fit in with unlike peers
• Make connections between disconnected ideas and draw unique inferences

These are just some characteristics to be aware of and to use to begin to determine whether your child is highly capable. The Seattle Public Schools’ website has a video that lays out these and some other characteristics.

What is the consequence of not identifying a highly capable learner?

The simplest way to think of a highly capable learner is to think of them as a learner with special needs. Just as a student with special needs cannot go through school without specific support, so can’t a highly capable learner. Unidentified highly capable learners are disadvantaged and worst yet might have a school experience that is detrimental.

Here’s why:

• Unidentified learners are under-stimulated. They learn to get by and do the minimum learning to get through school. They underachieve.
• Some highly capable learners are prolific in some learning areas and struggle with other areas. This is confusing and can make it hard for teachers to support the student fully. With identification, teachers have information on how to understand and support a student’s full range of learning capabilities.
• Highly capable learners are emotional and sensitive. They have uncommon tendencies and interests. It is hard for them to fit in with unlike peers. They can be made fun of for their unusual abilities and interests. It is not uncommon for highly capable learners to struggle with anxiety and depression.
• On a larger scale, not identifying highly capable learners as being so is a regional and national loss of talent. Great achievements come from great minds, especially in science and technology. As we emphasize STEM education and technological production in the workplace, it is important to identify those who can contribute to these learning spaces and industries.

What educational options do parents have for their highly capable child?

In many ways we are quite lucky in the Seattle area. Parents have both public and private school options for highly capable learners. All the school districts have programs for highly capable learners that students have to test into. The same goes for private schools that are focused on the education of highly capable learners.

Identifying a child as being highly capable does not equate to looking for a badge of honor or a label. It is about understanding your child fully and finding an education that meets her wholly. Being highly capable is a special need and needs to be treated with the same level of respect and attention as that accorded to students with special needs. Lean in and take a closer look at your child. Let her lead the way to her education.