Academic and Learning Factors
Highly-developed cognitive skills do not automatically prevent learning deficits. The mechanics of reading, writing, performing calculations, or maintaining focus can be a challenge to highly intelligent students despite their advanced reasoning skills. Some students use a strategy of appearing unmotivated when they are really trying to cover for academic, cognitive, or attention deficits.
There are gifted students who have deficits so severe that they are also diagnosed with a disability. These students are often referred to as twice-exceptional (or just 2e) and do require exceptional educational planning to meet their needs.
If academic and learning deficits are impacting your child's school performance, it is important for you to work collaboratively with his or her classroom teacher(s) and the gifted resource teacher. A team meeting at the school to discuss ways to support your child's learning is often the starting point for making effective changes. The focus of the meeting can be on how to support the development of your child's academic and cognitive strengths by providing accommodations, interventions, and scaffolding to compensate or correct for areas where there are deficits.
Investigate Further
A book that can be helpful if you have a gifted child with organizational problems is Smart but scattered: the revolutionary "executive skills" approach to helping kids reach their potential by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare.
There are gifted students who have deficits so severe that they are also diagnosed with a disability. These students are often referred to as twice-exceptional (or just 2e) and do require exceptional educational planning to meet their needs.
If academic and learning deficits are impacting your child's school performance, it is important for you to work collaboratively with his or her classroom teacher(s) and the gifted resource teacher. A team meeting at the school to discuss ways to support your child's learning is often the starting point for making effective changes. The focus of the meeting can be on how to support the development of your child's academic and cognitive strengths by providing accommodations, interventions, and scaffolding to compensate or correct for areas where there are deficits.
Investigate Further
A book that can be helpful if you have a gifted child with organizational problems is Smart but scattered: the revolutionary "executive skills" approach to helping kids reach their potential by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare.
To find resources for working with underachieving gifted students follow the link above.
NOTE: A future website will focus on academic and learning deficits in much more detail.
NOTE: A future website will focus on academic and learning deficits in much more detail.
References
Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but scattered: the revolutionary "executive skills" approach to helping kids reach their potential. Guilford Press, New York, NY.
Dweck, C. (2006-2010). Mindset. Retrieved from Mindset Online Web site: http://mindsetonline.com/
Rinard, B. (2002). Tips for parents: the reluctant writer. Retrieved from the Davidson Institute for Talent Development Online Website: http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10310.aspx
Rowling, J.K. (2008). The fringe benefits of failure. Retrieved from Ted: Ideas worth Spreading Online Web site: http://www.ted.com/talks/jk_rowling_the_fringe_benefits_of_failure.html
Schneider, S. (2003). Overcoming Underachievement. Retrieved from the Center for the Gifted Online Web site: http://www.centerforthegifted.org/cntpub_achieve.htm
Siegle, D., McCoach, D.B., Greene, M, & Reis, S. (2000). Making a difference: strategies to increase student motivation and academic achievement. Retrieved from: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/Siegle/NRCGTUnderachievementStudy.htm
Dweck, C. (2006-2010). Mindset. Retrieved from Mindset Online Web site: http://mindsetonline.com/
Rinard, B. (2002). Tips for parents: the reluctant writer. Retrieved from the Davidson Institute for Talent Development Online Website: http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10310.aspx
Rowling, J.K. (2008). The fringe benefits of failure. Retrieved from Ted: Ideas worth Spreading Online Web site: http://www.ted.com/talks/jk_rowling_the_fringe_benefits_of_failure.html
Schneider, S. (2003). Overcoming Underachievement. Retrieved from the Center for the Gifted Online Web site: http://www.centerforthegifted.org/cntpub_achieve.htm
Siegle, D., McCoach, D.B., Greene, M, & Reis, S. (2000). Making a difference: strategies to increase student motivation and academic achievement. Retrieved from: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/Siegle/NRCGTUnderachievementStudy.htm