1. Twice Exceptional: Gifted Students with Learning Difficulties
By: Jennifer Williams and Katy Eason

2. The World of Twice Exceptional

3. Who are Twice Exceptional Students?
Gifted learning disabled (LD) with extraordinary strengths or talents in one area, but a weakness in another
Being gifted AND having a learning difficulty classifies these students as twice exceptional

4. Life in the Classroom Rarely identified
Usually recognized for their disability solely
LD labels often leads to teachers lowering the standard

5. Identification Usually perform at or near grade level
Often overlooked in the classroom
Disability may hide giftedness; giftedness may hide disability
Able to identify using a combination of assessments: achievement tests, interviews, creativity tests and reports from parents, teachers and peers.

6. Identification, Con’t.
Multiple criteria is the most effective way to identify
Sample identification process:
Nominations by teachers, parents or peers
Evaluation (academic)
Intelligence Testing

7. Characteristics Cognitive Strengths Superior Vocabulary
Uninhibited Expression of Opinions
Extreme Creativity
Extreme Sensitivity and Insensitivity
High Levels of Problem Solving and Reasoning
Wide Range of Interest That Are Not Related to School Learning

8. Characteristics, Con’t.
Cognitive Challenges
Discrepant Verbal and Nonverbal abilities
Deficient or Extremely Uneven Academic Skills
Lack of Organizational or Study Skills
Over-sensitivity to Criticism
Difficulty Controlling Impulses
Poor Social Skills
Blaming Others for Their Problems

9. Resources for Teachers
Build community within your classroom (to appreciate differences)
Be aware that LD students prefer visuals and tactile formats
Immerse all senses in learning
Allow students to set short term goals for learning

10. Useful Sites and Blogs Strategies for Teaching Twice Exceptional
All Things Gifted

11. Discussion How do gifted students look during the RTI process?
Do the IEP components, including goals and accommodations, apply to the gifted education service options?
What is the parents’ role in the gifted and special education identification process?