A number of people who hold misconceptions and misperceptions about what Gifted and Talented (GT) Education is all about, according to Tamara Fisher, a K-12 gifted education specialist for a school district located on an Indian reservation in northwestern Montana and President of the Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Education. With Karen Isaacson, she is also co-author of Intelligent Life in the Classroom: Smart Kids and Their Teachers.
These misunderstandings about GT are – sadly – common, and she's discovered them in all walks of people: community members, regular classroom teachers, administrators, parents of non-GT kids, other students, society as a whole, and even parents of GT kids and the occasional GT Specialist. Certainly not everyone misinterprets the purpose of Gifted Education, but it does seem to be the balance of attitude and opinion that many people hold towards GT. It is hard work to dispel these misperceptions! Her goal is to “re-frame” these misconceptions for you with new language that can help you explain to others what GT is really all about.

Each of these begins with a misunderstanding – a statement of what GT is NOT (or should not be), followed by a statement of what GT actually IS (or should be).
GT is NOT a reward for kids who behave well in class and turn in perfect work. Rather it IS an academic necessity for children who learn differently. Their learning and abilities are significantly different from the norm.

GT is NOT a program for kids with exceptional grades. Rather, it IS a program for kids with exceptional abilities and potential… who may or may not have exceptional grades to show for it.

GT is NOT fun for fun's sake. Rather, it IS often fun for the sake of challenge and learning.

GT is NOT for kids who are "better" or "more special” than other kids. Rather, it IS a program for kids who think and learn dramatically differently from the norm. All kids are special. But “gifted” does not equal “special.”

GT is NOT a program only for good kids. Rather, it IS a program for kids who need more depth, breadth, and a quicker pace.

GT is NOT a test of what the kid does know. Rather, it IS an opportunity for the kid to go beyond – into what he DOESN’T know.

GT is NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT a privilege!!!!! Rather, it IS an essential need for children whose pace of learning dramatically out-steps other kids. (If only we would let them show us!)

GT is NOT a self-esteem booster for children who seem to need one. Rather, it IS a sincere validation of ability.

GT is NOT about preparing kids to “save the world” someday or “find a cure for cancer.” Rather, it IS about reaching kids who learn differently TODAY.

GT is NOT a “club” to belong to. Rather, it IS a peer group where gifted kids can feel like they actually belong.

GT does NOT address only academic needs. Rather, it ALSO addresses social and emotional needs and validates gifts and talents.

GT is NOT about pressure to fit a label or stereotype. Rather, it IS an opportunity for expression and exploration of one's unique self and various abilities.

GT should NOT be an experimental group led by whoever is available. Rather, it SHOULD BE a group that loves to experiment led by knowledgeable and trained staff.

GT should NOT be an optional offering, if convenient. Rather, it SHOULD BE a high priority because there are kids who need it. In many places, this isn’t the case, though.

GT is NOT an easy A. Rather, it IS a challenging learning opportunity that is graded according to progression.

GT is NOT a surplus offering for kids who have surplus knowledge. Rather, it IS an academic intervention for kids who don’t learn like other kids do.


To read the full article by Tamara Fisher, click on the link below:
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/unwrapping_the_gifted/2008/07/that_mythological_place_of_is.html