Saturday, May 18, 2013

USD 232 Gifted Identification Process

Parents and guardians often wonder how children are identified for gifted services. Please download the brochure on this page for more information about this process. It should answer many frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please contact the Special Services Department at 913-667-6208 or email Dr. Joan Robbins, Director of Special Services. Email

This table compares the characteristics of gifted children as compared to bright children. It is often helpful to us and to parents in highlighting the differences.

Note the Difference

Source: Janice Szabos, Challenge Magazine, 1989, Issue 34

Tennessee Association for the Gifted: http://www.tag-tenn.org

A Bright Child:

A Gifted Learner:

  • Knows the answers.
  • Asks the questions.
  • Is interested.
  • Is highly curious.
  • Is attentive.
  • Is mentally and physically involved.
  • Has good ideas.
  • Has wild, silly ideas.
  • Works hard.
  • Plays around, yet tests well.
  • Answers the questions.
  • Discusses in detail, elaborates.
  • Top group.
  • Beyond group.
  • Listens with interest.
  • Shows strong feeling and opinions.
  • Learns with ease.
  • Already knows.
  • 6-8 repetitions for mastery.
  • 1-2 repetitions for mastery.
  • Understands ideas.
  • Constructs abstractions.
  • Enjoys peers.
  • Prefers adults.
  • Grasps the meaning.
  • Draws inferences.
  • Completes assignments.
  • Initiates projects.
  • Is receptive.
  • Is intense.
  • Copies accurately.
  • Completes a new design.
  • Enjoys school.
  • Enjoys learning.
  • Absorbs information.
  • Manipulates information.
  • Technician
  • Inventor
  • Good memorizer
  • Good guesser
  • Enjoys sequential presentation.
  • Thrives on complexity.
  • Is alert.
  • Is keenly observant 
  • Is pleased with own learning.
  • Is highly critical.