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In line with our school mission and vision, we are committed to recognizing the strengths and talents of all students and working to ensure that we meet those needs to grow each student. Brenda O'Brien is our Gifted and Talented Coordinator. She can be reached at obrienb@swallow.k12.wi.us or via phone at 262-367-2000 x162.
What is Giftedness?
The State of Wisconsin defines gifted children as three to five percent of students in grades kindergarten through grade 12 who excel, or have the potential to excel beyond their age peers in the regular school program, to the extent that they need and can benefit from programs for the gifted and talented. Students who are gifted have exceptional ability, aptitude, skill or creativity in one or more of the following categories:
General Intellectual Ability as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishment above their age peers in all academic areas.
Specific Academic Aptitude as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishment above their age peers in one or more academic areas.
Artistic Ability as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishment above their age peers in the literary, performing and or visual arts.
Definition of Giftedness: The State of Wisconsin defines gifted children as those in grades K-12 who excel, or have the potential to excel, beyond their age peers, in the regular school program, to the extent that they need and can benefit from programs for the gifted and talented.
When compared to their age peers, gifted learners tend to:
• Learn more rapidly;
• Have a stronger need to know;
• Be more adept at using abstract thinking skills;
• Demonstrate more sophisticated communication skills;
• Have intense interests;
• Have a greater retention of information;
• See and create patterns of meaning;
• Have a longer attention span;
• Be more imaginative;
• Be better at discerning discrepancies;
• Be more intellectually playful.
(Adapted from J. Curry and S. Tarver, 1992)
Principles of Identification
1. Identification of gifted students is guided by the State of Wisconsin definition of gifted and talented students.
2. The identification process is clear, logical, easily explained, and available to all.
3. Identification is based upon multiple and specific criteria.
4. Identification is an integral piece of the total school program and is necessary to meet the needs of students.
5. Identification is subject to the evaluation process.
6. Identification is ongoing.
Recommended Reading and Resources
Guiding the Gifted Child
James T. Webb
Keys to Parenting the Gifted Child
Sylvia B. Rimm
Gifted Children: Myths and Realities
Ellen Winner
Parents Guide to Raising the Gifted Child
James Alvino
You Know Your Child is Gifted When...
Judy Galbraith
Gifted Child Today Magazine
Resources for Family Challenges
Puzzles and Games for Creative and Critical Thinking
Martha Cheney
Family Math
Jean Kerr Stenmark, Virginia Thompson, Ruth Cossey
Strategy Games such as: Set, Chess, Backgammon, Mancala, Triominoes
Challenge 24 and Rush Hour Games
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