1. Perceptions about Giftedness….The student voice
“Being one of the smarties isn’t easy. Actually, it is on the same wave length to some people as a man with one leg. It’s a social handicap and everyone stares.”
-anonymous gifted child
“I Don’t like being lumped in with others. I am an individual who shares similar accomplishments.”
-10th grade NC student identified as highly capable

2. What We See On the Surface
Giving
Model Student
Kind
Have knowledge in a range of areas
Open-minded
Friendly
Typically ahead of class
Full Schedule
Mature
Intense
Competitive
Practical
Self-Motivated

3. Everything is fine…Where is the Problem
Overexcitibilities: a reaction that is stronger for a longer period of time than normal to a stimulus that may be very small.
Positive & Negative
5 areas we see this:
Psychomotor, Sensual,
Intellectual, Imagination, Emotional
Gifted Academically does
not mean social & emotional
characteristics are at the same level

4. What is Living Below the Surface
Take on too much
Responsible for Social Justice
Difficulty with Relationships
Very Self Centered
Peer & Parent
“I don’t know my own needs”
Poor Self-esteem
Spicy
Strong Willed
Burden of Label
Deeper Emotions
Look to escape reality
Photo credit: Andreas Franke

5. Patterns in Variance Gender Sibling Girls First born More Organized
Struggled more socially
Lower levels of self-esteem reported
Boys
If they are not organized, tend to be male
Escape from reality more often (video games, daydreaming, movies, books)
Sibling
First born
Higher levels of stress reported
Superior personalities
A bit narcissistic
Feels weight of parent expectations
Difficult for parent
Perfectionist
Middle/youngest
More easy going
Less of a “know it all”
Feels weight of living up to older sib
Struggle socially if older sib appeared to do well

6. School Specific Social & Emotional Issues
Struggle When…
Pressure to be like sibling
School is too easy
They don’t respect a teacher
To persevere when answers aren’t immediate
Perceived parent pressure
Not being gifted in every academic area
Motivated When…
Working in a subject area that interests them
Adult praise
Peer recognition
They respect their teacher
Dislikes…
Asking for help
Being a “helper” or “mini-teacher”
Group projects
Can’t work at own pace
Locker partners!

7. others…. Student Y: The Outliers Student X: Extreme Narcissism
Looks down on those around her (including teachers)
Would rather be respected than liked
Own parent afraid of what they are capable of
Student Y:
can’t admit when wrong
Twice exceptional student with dysgraphia
Satisfied we wanted to study her
Perfectionist
Current grades C’s and D’s
Parent wants better results
Skipped 2 grades, and one of lowest performers as a junior

8. Perception of Having an Advocate
I’m not allowed to talk to a counselor….but I need you
person who I can debrief a difficult day with
Learning about me my senior year is too late
Feels good to have someone just check in on me

9. Implication of the Findings
Social and Emotional:
Not paying attention to social & emotional development for highly capable students is not an option. When we do this, it leaves them thinking only their performance matters
PD for teachers
Who are these students, and what are their needs
Counselor Role
Crate a place to gather
Transition program from middle to high school
Learn where they need an advocate (each will be different)
Identify career & college interests early
Show them who you are
Educate students on how to get involved early