Definition of Giftedness

                               Giftedness

The current U.S. federal government definition of giftedness is as follows:

The term "gifted and talented" means students, children, or youth who give edivence of high performance capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who require services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop such capabilities.

Some general characteristics of giftedness:

• Shows superior reasoning powers and marked ability to handle ideas; can generalize readily from specific facts and can see subtle relationships; has outstanding problem-solving ability
• Shows persistent intellectual curiosity; asks searching questions; shows exceptional interest in the nature of man and the universe
• Has a wide range of interests, often of an intellectual kind; develops one or more interests to considerable depth
• Is markedly superior in quality and quantity of written and/or spoken vocabulary; is interested in the subtleties of words and their uses
• Reads avidly and absorbs books well beyond his or her years
• Learns quickly and easily and retains what is learned; recalls important details, concepts and principles; comprehends readily
• Shows insight into arithmetical problems that require careful reasoning and grasps mathematical concepts readily
• Sustains concentration for lengthy periods and shows outstanding responsibility and independence in classroom work
• Sets realistically high standards for self; is self-critical in evaluating and correcting his or her own effforts; perfectionist
• Shows initiative and originality in intellectual work; shows flexibility in thinking and considers problems for a number of viewpoints
• Observes keenly and is open to new ideas
• Shows social poise and an ability to communicate with adults in a mature way
• Gets excitement and pleasure from intellectual challenges; shows an alert and subtle sense of humor; clever
• Often prefers the company of adults or intellectual peers (not necessarily same age or same grade peers)
• Independence in work and study; preference for individualized work; self-reliance; need for freedom of movement and action
• Sensitivity, intuitiveness, empathy for others; need for emotional support and sympathetic attitude