The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) defines giftedness as follows:
“Children are gifted when their ability is significantly above the norm for their age.
Giftedness may manifest in one or more domains such as; intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership, or in a specific academic field such as language arts, mathematics or science.
It is difficult to estimate the absolute number of gifted children in the U.S. and the world because the calculation is dependent on the number of areas, or domains, being measured and the method used to identify gifted children. However, many consider children who are in the top 10 percent in relation to a national and/or local norm to be a good guide for identification and services.
It is important to note that not all gifted children look or act alike. Giftedness exists in every demographic group and personality type. It is important that adults look hard to discover potential and support gifted children as they reach for their personal best.”
New York State Definition
Nearly every state in the country has its own definition of giftedness. The current New York State definition is as follows:
“Gifted pupils are those who show evidence of high performances capability and exceptional potential in area such as general intellectual ability, special academic aptitude and outstanding ability in visual and performing arts. Such definition shall include those pupils who require educational programs or services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to realize their full potential.”
GiftedNYS Believes
Gifted pupils:
- Receive and process information differently from their age peers.
- React in unusual and unique ways in order to produce ideas, products or outcomes atypical of their age.
- Are diverse. They are found in all cultures, ethnicities, religious belief systems, races, socio-economic statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, and disabilities categories.
Gifted pupils need:
- Support from school personnel who have had specialized training and ongoing staff development
- An environment that is flexible, individualized, and cultivates expertise
- Ongoing opportunities to interact with peers of shared interests and talents
- An environment which promotes healthy social-emotional growth for asynchronous development of intense, exceptional pupils
- An environment that fosters freedom to learn at their own pace, to explore their passions, and to demonstrate understanding in unique ways
- Access to materials that are commensurate to their abilities
