Who is Gifted?


A gifted child is one who has an exceptional ability to learn. According to some widely adopted definitions, at least 15% to 20% of children may be identified as gifted or exceptionally able learners. The definition of giftedness adopted by the NLAGC is in part that adopted by the United States Office of Education in 1972:

"Gifted...children are those who by virtue of their outstanding abilities are capable of high performance. These are children who require differentiated educational programs in order to realize their contribution to self and society.

"Children capable of high performance include those with demonstrated achievement and/or potential ability in any of the following areas, singly or in combination: general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, creative or productive thinking, leadership ability, ability in the visual and performing arts, psychomotor ability" (Marland, 1971).

Similarly the Newfoundland Department of Education defines the gifted learner as one who "demonstrates or has the potential to demonstrate an exceptional ability to learn, to be creative, to lead, to perform (psychomotor or artistic) and/or to think critically. Giftedness is dynamic, thus it may or may not be readily observable. It may only become evident when the student is exposed to a curriculum or experience that envokes his/her potential" (Department of Education Position Statement Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners, 1992).


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