Talented and Gifted: Do They Mean the Same Thing?

“Your child is gifted!” “Your student is so talented!” But does gifted and talented mean the same thing? Many programs use the phrase “gifted and talented students” when describing gifted students. However, many schools and programs differ in their definitions of giftedness, and likewise, whether or not there is a difference between gifted and talented has been debated. Knowing the varying explanations between gifted and talented can help parents with determining the best school program for their gifted child. Take a look at the differences and similarities between the words gifted and talented in the context of advanced learning:

Giftedness as Inherent Potential

Even with the federal definition of a gifted student, schools vary in their identification of a gifted learner.  For the most part, a gifted student is identified according to high scores on specially designed educational testing formats for gifted learners. Some schools define giftedness as an aptitude in academic subjects, such as mathematics or English.

Talent Means Developing One’s Gifts

The phrase “talented and gifted” is often used in describing gifted programs, but some schools further define talent as being skilled in PE, drama or music. Other education pioneers in the field of gifted learning have made distinctions between giftedness and talent. For example, a student may possess traits that make foreign language easier to learn compared to his or her peers. However, talent is about nurturing those gifted language-learning traits, which eventually translates to achieving language fluency.

The Differences Between a Gifted Student and Bright Learner

For the most part, the phrase “gifted and talented” means all students who possess attributes of a gifted learner. However, many programs distinguish between a gifted learner and a bright student. For example, a bright student will demonstrate that he or she knows the answer, but a gifted learner will demonstrate his or her comprehensive knowledge on the subject by asking additional in-depth questions.

What is Gifted Education?

Educators have known for a long time that not every child learns in the same way. This is especially true for students with an advanced ability to grasp concepts and excel in core subjects and in other ways. In a regular classroom setting, they may find themselves not challenged which can lead to disinterest and even acting out in younger children. Giving these students with a higher learning capacity the chance to learn at their pace is why gifted education was created and continues to be a popular alternative to traditional education.

Education Methods

While there is no one way to classify what makes gifted education different, there are some methods that may not be explored in regular classes. Here is a brief description of some of these approaches:

·         Streamlining-compacting the curriculum to reduce the amount of repetition for material that is understood.

·         Grouping-organizing children according to ability so they may learn at a similar pace.

·         Acceleration-presenting material and concepts faster for students have the capacity to master it quickly.

·         Identification- realizing children learn in different ways and incorporating a variety of approaches that may target individual learning styles.

Pull-Out Versus All-day

Gifted programs may be implemented through a pull-out method, where students are removed from their regular classrooms for additional or specialized instruction, or by an all-day program, where students receive gifted education exclusively. Parents and educators may work together to determine the best approach on a case-by-case basis.

Making Choices

Identifying students who are gifted and talented is imperative to boosting their learning ability so they can reach their full potential.  Ultimately, parents should decide how they would like their children to be educated, and knowing they have options that fit their children’s needs can make a world of difference to growth and development.  While public school does offer programming for advanced students, some families may prefer a private education which may be better designed for educating children who have advanced learning ability.

The Difference Between Gifted Schools And Traditional

If your child is above average in some areas at school, then consider a gifted or talented school over a traditional public system. 

When you think about a gifted school, you might think that it's a private institution with students wearing uniforms and subjects that are taught on a college level. While most of this is true to a point, gifted schools are similar to a traditional school in many ways, but there is a challenge offered that students won't receive anywhere else. Classes are harder, there is more homework, and the projects are more in depth. The coursework is meant to prepare students for college, as some can, and will, enter college early. 

There is always work to be done at a school for gifted and talented children, but there is fun offered as well. Some schools enjoy taking field trips to educational locations, such as museums, that enhance the mind. There are some schools that have boarding areas so that students will stay on campus for an extended period of time. This isn't the case in all gifted schools, but if it is an option, then it should be considered so that students can be around peers who are of the same intellect. 

Teachers will provide a nurturing environment for students to reach their full potential. They work to bring out the best in each student and foster individual gifts, such as singing, acting, playing a musical instrument or demonstrating leadership skills. Gifted and talented students are encouraged to participate in club events that match their cognitive skills and desires. There is a good bit of creative thinking that takes place in the school instead of simply working out a problem with a few basic steps. This will prepare students to work out problems that might take place in life.

5 Reasons Your Gifted Child Should Be in a School Catered to Gifted Children

There is a lot of debate about whether children should have their education catered to them. Do slow learners need to be in remedial classes? Should gifted children go to private schools that cater only to gifted students? These questions can be hard to answer, and each family might find their own way. Here are a few reasons why your gifted child should go to a school where they will be catered to:

1.    Full Potential

When gifted children stay in regular school systems, there is a chance that they will not be engaged enough. This may cause gifted children to not reach their full potential. At schools where gifted children are catered to, they will be pushed to be the best that they can be.

2.    Hands-On

Not only will kids be pushed to their full potential, but they will be able to learn in a hands-on environment. They will have hands-on experiences in science, music, foreign language, fine arts rocket engineering and so much more.

3.    Highly Trained Faculty

At a gifted school, the faculty will be highly trained to work with and nurture gifted children. This is just one of the ways that these schools ensure that your gifted child really reaches their full potential.

4.    Special Curricula

To help students be the best they can, oftentimes there is a special curriculum in place for all of the students. Students will learn in ways that truly interests them.

5.    Like-Minded Peers

Finally, when your gifted child attends a special school, they will be surrounded by other gifted children. This gives them an environment where they feel safe, secure and happy to learn.

If you want your gifted child to attend a school that caters to gifted children, make sure to do more research to find the right school for them. Call a school today to learn more!