Giftedness.

A gifted student has very high general intelligence that can be shown by an IQ score higher than 130. Can, because intelligence does not always show in the IQ score, for example when a student underperforms or is stressed during the test.

Gifted students can process a lot of information in a short time, which helps them develop faster than average students. Compared to their peers, they can have a large development lead in cognitive, social, emotional, moral, and motor areas, as well as personal growth. Many of these children have a strong sense of justice, think deeply about life questions, and are sensitive to signs and moods around them.

The school can check if a learning lead is present by studying the child’s learning progress. An intelligence or IQ test is not always needed to assess if a child is gifted.

Learning process

A student’s learning progress can show a good picture of his or her learning process. The learning process is how a student learns and gains knowledge and skills. This process depends less on the child’s age and more on intelligence. If a student’s intelligence differs greatly from classmates, their learning method will also differ strongly.

Different learning needs

At school, attention and support are often aimed at the average student and those who need extra help in one or more subjects. Just like some children develop much slower than average, others develop much faster. Research shows that children who have great difficulty learning and children who learn very easily often face similar problems.

Matching problems

Both children who struggle to learn and those who learn easily face demands and expectations that are not well matched to their abilities and learning needs. The matching problems between a gifted child and the people around them have several consequences. It often happens that gifted children perform below their ability. This is called underperforming.

Underperforming

Gifted children often adapt to the learning process of their peers. They can do this consciously because they do not want to stand out and want to belong. When education is not well matched to the child’s learning process and development level, gifted students can develop not only learning problems but also behavioral problems.

Consequences

Underperforming blocks gifted students’ development. Research shows the following problems:

• Loss of motivation to learn
• Severe boredom
• Social and emotional problems
• Sadness and depression
• Mental health problems.

These children can also show physical complaints.

Education adjustments

Education for gifted students is part of the basic support of schools. Some schools offer extra support for gifted students. This extra support is listed in the school support profile of the school. Many schools give extra learning material (usually from the lessons) and/or let students work through material more quickly. Some schools have special classes where children get adapted lessons for part of a week. However, research shows that these changes are often not enough. Gifted children need daily education that fits their learning needs.

Parents’ contribution

Schools can ask for a voluntary parents’ contribution. This requires approval from parents who are in the school participation council. This contribution is always voluntary. Choosing to pay or not should not affect participation in the education program. Education for gifted students must be free and open to all. Parents do not need to pay extra for the support the school gives gifted students. If the school’s basic support is not enough, the school, possibly together with the Partnership Tailored Education, must provide a fitting program for gifted students.

Suspected giftedness

If you suspect your child is gifted, it is important to talk with your child’s teacher and the internal support coordinator or care coordinator at school. The school can map your child’s learning process and check if your child has a learning lead. If needed, the school can help you find the right place for testing. Mutual understanding and respect between school and parents is very important for your child.

If the school does not share your suspicion, you can contact your general practitioner or school doctor about your child’s problems.

Ask for help

Contact our information point if you suspect your child is gifted and the conversation with school is difficult, or if you want to prepare well for the talk.