Gifted Educational Programs
Gifted educational programs are designed to meet the needs of gifted learners. These programs
can be located in public or private institutions, and they often include classes for gifted students
at all grade levels, from preschool to high school.
Gifted educational programs offer hands-on opportunities for gifted students to further their
learning and discover their unique talents. They provide specialized instruction in areas such as
math, science, humanities, and social studies. The goal of gifted education is to identify and
nurture the strengths of each child.
Are there differences between specific gifted and talented
programs?
As each child is unique, and especially gifted children, so are the programs that support them.
There are national standards for these programs, but the specific focus and requirements can
depend on the type of program as well as the focus of the teacher or administration. In addition,
gifted programs can vary in their goals, as some will strive to teach students standards beyond
what is at their grade level, while others will provide further depth and breadth of the skills that
the child would learn in a regular program. In addition, other programs focus on enhancing the
child’s experiences and learning through developing exposure to material that would not normally
be covered in school settings.
How do you qualify for a gifted program?
The requirements for gifted educational programs vary by state and school district, and most
require that students be identified as “gifted” before they can be enrolled in the program. This
determination is often based on standardized testing including academic, intellectual, and
neuropsychological evaluations, but it can also be based on report card grades or a nomination
from a teacher.
For example, in New York City, the determination for eligibility to the gifted and talented program
is a combination of report cards, teacher recommendations, and standardized evaluation.
Can I apply for a gifted and talented program if my child has a disability?
This is an important question as there are often children who have a disability in one area but are
talented in others. In most gifted and talented programs, children with disabilities are encouraged
to apply, especially if the program is publicly funded. As part of the Americans With Disabilities
Act (ADA), it is illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities, as long as the disability
is not in the specific domain of giftedness. As an example, in New York City, almost all children
are able to apply regardless of disability, home language, previous schooling, or country of origin.
What is the Purpose of Gifted Education?
Gifted educational programs vary in their focus, but they all share common characteristics: they
tend to offer challenging academic experiences and provide students with the knowledge and
skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world. For example, some school
districts have programs that prepare students who are academically advanced for upper-level
courses in high school or college. These programs are often referred to as “gap-year” programs
because they allow students to take a year off after high school while still being eligible for
college credit or advanced placement classes.
How can a neuropsychological evaluation help my child?
The purpose of gifted neuropsychological evaluations is to assess a child’s ability to learn and
perform in school. This evaluation will determine if there is a discrepancy in intelligence between
the child and his/her peers and if there are opportunities for the child to better succeed
academically. The evaluation will also determine if there are any learning disabilities, physical
disabilities, or other neurological impairments that may be causing delays in the child’s progress,
and may be obscuring talents in other areas.
A qualified neuropsychologist is an important part of any educational system, as he/she can
provide a wide range of services including:
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Assessments for children with learning disabilities
Assessments for children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Assessments for children with autism spectrum disorders
Assessments for learning differences such as dyslexia or dysgraphia
Source: Gifted Educational Programs - Neuropsych Doctor NY