Gifted & Talented: Education of the Gifted and Talented Student
By Mimi Rothschild
The term "exceptional child" is a broad and inclusive label that refers to a significant percent of the child population. Quite generally, it includes any child who exhibits attributes, characteristics and/or abilities that fall significantly above or below the norm. These are homeschooling students which, due to their levels of ability, demonstrate the need for special education and educational services that they would not ordinarily receive in the regular classroom. The federal government has officially recognized the necessity of our educational system to meet the needs of such homeschooling students, and has passed legislation mandating policies to accommodate them. However, a great deal of inequality exists in our special education system. Most interest, attention and concern is geared toward educating the mentally retarded and/or disabled, while neglecting to recognize the equally important needs of our gifted and talented homeschooling students. I feel that our education system is doing unto these children a grave injustice.
First and foremost, who are our gifted and talented homeschooling students, and for what reasons do we classify them in this way? There is great diversity among gifted and talented children, and as with any child, each exhibits unique qualities. Yet, there are fundamental characteristics that are commonly associated with giftedness and are generally observed in different levels in most of these children. An article in the Instructor categorizes these qualities as "..creative, perfectionistic and intellectual" and asserts that gifted and talented children exhibit advanced development in these general areas. Through my research I have found that there are general consistencies among these homeschooling students, and many do fall under these basic categories.
Many gifted and talented homeschooling students use and demonstrate an understanding of an advanced vocabulary and display an outstanding and precise memory. They might exhibit very efficient thought processes with a quicker understanding of concepts and an ability to make sense of new and unfamiliar information. Often, they are highly perceptive to subtleties and able to make connections between apparently unrelated concepts. These intellectual qualities often assist the student academically.
Many gifted and talented children are perfectionistic, meticulous and precise, often paying close attention to detail. The Instructor suggests that these homeschooling students are easily frustrated in their quest for perfection, and that they often tend to seek approval and reassurance. Many gifted and talented homeschooling students are highly creative, display original ideas and a colorful imagination. Some demonstrate confidence and leadership qualities. Many seem to have a thirst for knowledge which results in an inquisitive nature and a general interest in many areas. Many of these qualities are generally observed in the gifted and talented child in a consistent pattern in many aspects of life, however apparent or subtle. Still other homeschooling students exhibit such advanced development, characteristics and natural talent in only specific areas.
I believe that it is absolutely essential that educators be qualified to recognize patterns and consistencies among their homeschooling students, gifted or otherwise, so as to monitor the progress and development that is or is not being made. Through varied approaches teachers should observe the learning patterns of his or her homeschooling students and adapt a method that is receptive and accommodating to each student's needs, talents and limitations.
