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.