Gifted and talented children are by virtue of outstanding abilities those identified by professionally qualified persons as being capable of high performance.  These children require differentiated educational programs and/or services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to realize their contribution to self and society.

 -U.S. Office of Education 

CHARACTERISTICS OF GIFTED STUDENTS

• Advanced Language
  Displays an advanced vocabulary and an ability to use more complex language effectively in a variety of situations; naturally uses similes, metaphors, and analogies to express relationships.

• Analytical Thinking
  Ability to discern components of a whole; strives to determine relationships and patterns in procedures, experiences, ideas, and/or objects.  The student may not be "organized", yet enjoys organizing and planning events and procedures.

• Meaning Motivated
  Shows curiosity and an inner drive for thorough, independent understanding; asks penetrating, intellectual questions and demonstrates an extensive memory.

• Perspective
  Displays an ability to understand and incorporate unexpected or unusual points of view through oral language, writing, manipulative and/or art.

• Sense of Humor
  Demonstrates understanding of higher levels of humor and application of a finely developed sense of humor, either through the production of original jokes, riddles, puns, or other humorous effects or through understanding the subtle humor of others.

• Sensitivity
  Intensely sensitive to the needs of others, demonstrates a strong sense of justice and sets high standards for self and others.

• Accelerated Learning
  Demonstrates mastery and an ability to learn and understand material and concepts beyond the facts and knowledge typical and expected for that age group.

         
            -adapted from Kingore Observation Inventory by Bertie Kingore, 1993.