Gifted and talented kids: who are they?

The following description of the identification process reflects the South Carolina definition of gifted and talented and is in keeping with the National Excellence Report (1995) which states:

"Children and youth with outstanding talent perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. [They] exhibit high performance capability in intellectual, creative, and/or artistic areas, possess an unusual leadership capacity/or excel in specific academic fields. They require services or activities not ordinarily provided by the schools. Outstanding talents are present in children and youth from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor."

Characteristics of Gifted Students - Silverman/Waters Checklist:

• Good problem-solving abilities
• Rapid learning ability
• Extensive vocabulary
• Good memory
• Long attention span
• Wide range of interests
• Early or avid reading ability
• At times seem mature for age
• Sensitivity
• Compassion for others
• Perfectionism
• High degree of energy
• Preference for older companions
• Excellent sense of humor
• Ability in puzzles, mazes, or numbers
• Perseverance in areas of interest

Gifted Profiles