Terminology
Terminology about gifted students, just like definitions of "gifted," vary state-to-state. Here is a picture that shows which terms are used where.
Frequently Used Terms in Gifted Education
Additionally, below is a list of frequently used terms in gifted education.
For the full list, you can visit this link.
Ability Grouping
Class or group assignment based on observed behavior or performance. Ability grouping is not the same as tracking. Click here for NAGC position statement on ability grouping.
Accelerated Learning
A strategy of progressing through education at rates faster or ages younger than the norm. Click here for more information.
Advanced Placement (AP)
A program developed by the College Board where high schools offer courses that meet criteria established by institutions of higher education. In many instances, college credit may be earned with the successful completion of an AP exam in specific content areas. (Note: Individuals interested in policies related to earning college credit should contact the college or university of their choice for specifics.)
Aptitude
An inclination to excel in the performance of a certain skill.
Asynchrony
A term used to describe disparate rates of intellectual, emotional, and physical rates of growth or development often displayed by gifted children. Click here for more information.
Authentic Assessment
Evaluating student learning through the use of student portfolios, performance, or observations in place or in conjunction with more traditional measures of performance such as tests and written assignments. The process allows students to be evaluated using assessments that more closely resemble real world tasks, such as a scientific experiment to demonstrate understanding of the laws of motion.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Developed in 1956 by Benjamin Bloom, the taxonomy is often used to develop curriculum for gifted children. There are six levels within the taxonomy that move from basic to high levels of thinking. These include knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Click here for more information.
Concurrent Or Dual Enrollment
Most often refers to high school students taking college courses, often for college credit. Dual enrollment is viewed as providing high school students benefits such as greater access to a wider range of rigorous academic and technical courses, savings in time and money on a college degree, promoting efficiency of learning, and enhancing admission to and retention in college. The terms may also be used to refer to middle grade students taking high school courses and earning credit towards graduation. Click here for more information.
Creativity
The process of developing new, uncommon, or unique ideas. The federal definition of giftedness identifies creativity as a specific component of giftedness. Click here for more information about creativity in young children.
Criterion-Referenced Testing
An assessment that compares a student’s test performance to their mastery of a body of knowledge or specific skill rather than relating their scores to the performance of other students. Click here for more information.
Curriculum Compacting
After showing a level of proficiency in the basic curriculum, a student can then be allowed to exchange instructional time for other learning experiences.
Differentiation
Modifying curriculum and instruction according to content, pacing, and/or product to meet unique student needs in the classroom.Click here for more information.
Enrichment
Activities that add or go beyond the existing curriculum. Activities may occur in the classroom or in a separate setting.
Gifted And Talented Students
The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act defines gifted and talented students as “Students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.” [Title IX, Part A, Definition 22. (2002)] Many states and districts follow the federal definition. Click here for more information.
Independent Study
A self-directed learning strategy where the teacher acts as guide or facilitator and the student plays a more active role in designing and managing his or her own learning.
Individual Education Plan (IEP)
An IEP is a document that delineates special education services for special-needs students. The IEP includes any modifications that are required in the regular classroom and any additional special programs or services. Federal law and the majority of states do not require IEPs for gifted learners. Click here for more information.
Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
A numerical representation of intelligence. IQ is derived from dividing mental age (result from an intelligence test) by the chronological age times 100. Traditionally, an average IQ is considered to be 100.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
A demanding pre-university program that students can complete to earn college credit. IB emphasizes critical thinking and understanding of other cultures or points of view. A diploma is awarded at the completion of the IB program which allows graduates access to universities worldwide.
Magnet Schools
A public school program that focuses on a specific learning area such as math, science, technology, or the performing arts. Magnet schools have been established to meet the specific learning needs of the gifted.
Norm-Referenced Testing
An assessment that compares an individual’s results with a large group of individuals who have taken the same assessment (who are referred to as the “norming group”). Examples include the SAT and Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Click here for more information.
Parallel Curriculum Model
A curriculum modification strategy to meet the needs of gifted students in terms of depth, complexity, and novelty. This model has four simultaneous pathways of development: Core or Basic Curriculum, Curriculum of Connections, Curriculum or Practice, and the Curriculum of Identify.
Portfolio Assessment
An alternative or supplement to traditional measures of giftedness, portfolios offer a collection of student work over time that can help to determine achievement and progress. Many of the elements found in portfolios cannot be captured by a standardized test. Click here for more information.
Talent Development
Programs, curricula, and services for gifted and talented students that can best meet their needs, promote their achievements in life, and contribute to the enhancement of our society when schools identify students' specific talent strengths and focus educational services on these talents. Click here for more information.
Tiered Assignments
A differentiated instructional strategy in which all students work toward the same goal, but activities are geared toward each student’s level of understanding.
Twice Exceptional
A term used to describe a student that is both gifted and disabled. These students may also be referred to as having dual exceptionalities or as being GT/LD. Click here for more information.