by Nicole LaChance, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
There are a lot of myths out there about gifted students. Today I want to highlight and debunk some of the most common ones we hear in the course of our work advocating for gifted kids.
Gifted Students Don鈥檛 Need Help
Gifted students have great potential, but they, like any other student, need guidance and support for it to be fully realized. Left without help, , leading to a dislike for school and low-achievement. The guidance of a teacher, parent, counselor or other supportive adult is crucial for the success of a gifted student.
Students with Learning Disabilities Cannot be Gifted
Some gifted students are twice-exceptional, meaning they also have learning disabilities, which makes it harder for their giftedness to be recognized. Most of these students have the and are often not served and challenged at the level they need. It is important for these students to both be challenged and receive help for their learning disability.
Gifted Students Always Get Good Grades
Gifted underachievers are a very real thing. Some students are bored and disengaged from being unchallenged in the classroom, therefore they stop really trying to get good grades. Other students that required work goes uncompleted. These students greatly benefit from the support of an adult to help break the cycle of underachievement.
Gifted Kids Excel in All Areas 鈥� Academic, Social and Emotional
Asynchronous Development, in which gifted kids develop academically, socially and emotionally at different levels, is one of the . For example, a first grade student may be reading at a sixth grade level, but be communicating below the ideal for their age. This can sometimes lead to in school.
Teachers Love Having Gifted Students in the Classroom
It is often thought that gifted children are model students, but, in reality, they can be disruptive and have that frustrate their teacher. However, this can often be avoided when students are engaged, challenged and matched with a teacher who understands and enjoys gifted children.
All Gifted Kids are the Same
Gifted kids are just as varied and diverse as everyone else! They have a wide range of abilities and interests, as well as social and cultural backgrounds.
What myths about gifted students would you like to debunk?
Like this post?聽聽to receive more stories, information, and resources about gifted youth straight to your inbox.