What identifies a child as being gifted/talented?

Answer 1

What to look for if you suspect your child or student is gifted:

The child comprehends one or two grades above his/her peers.

The child is curious.

The child has great memory and is a quick learner who applies his/her knowledge in interesting ways.

Answer 2

Depending on the district, one or more screeners take place. These may be the CoGat or the NNAT3, the IOWA test or several others. The CoGAT measures reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: Verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal. The Nnat3 is a nonverbal measure of general ability using pictures and grids. These along with parent and teacher questionnaires help identify student with the potential for advanced scholastic achievement.

As a teacher of 20 years and having identified 100s of students as gifted, I look for the difference between an advanced student and a gifted student. For example, an advanced student might ask questions with answers, but a gifted student asks questions about abstract concepts and ideas. An advanced student may answer a question in class, but a gifted student will answer utilizing more detail and a unique perspective. A google search for "Bright vs. Gifted" or "Advanced vs. Gifted" will give you more information.

Answer 3

The typical ways for students to be identified as "gifted" in public schools are:

1. If their IQ is measured on a nationally normed test to be two standard deviations above average (130+). This places them in the top 2-3% for IQ.
2. If a student places within the top two percent in a nationally normed subject test they are "gifted" within that subject.
3. If a student is one standard deviation above average and able to problem solve at an advanced level (as told by their teacher) they are "Gifted - Creative Thinking."

Answer 4

Brain base quality that makes the child stand out.