WESTMOUNT CHARTER SCHOOL
The Centre for Excellence
in Gifted Education
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Publicly Funded
established 1996 • K-grade 12

Profiles of Giftedness

Giftedness is not a single, simple phenomenon. On the contrary, gifted learners are extremely complex and diverse. In order to explain some of the ways that gifted learners present themselves, here are profiles of the Gifted and Talented, adapted from George Betts, Alberta Education Book 7: Teaching Students who are Gifted and Talented.

The Successful:
Knows how to play the game
Is liked by teachers, parents and most other students
Wants to get the best grades possible
Scores well on standardized tests
Will be extremely successful in school and will win many honours
May be losing creativity and autonomy.

The Challenging:
Is extremely creative
Is independent out of school
Does not like school (bored)
Often in conflict with others
Appears to be obstinate, tactless or sarcastic
Has more potential than demonstrated in school.

The Underground:
Lacks confidence
Does not want to be seen as smart
Wants to belong socially
Does not want attention based on their intellectual ability
Finds success outside of school
Receives conflicting messages from adults and/or peers.

The Dropout:
Believes system has not met their needs
Very resentful and angry (towards others or self)
Has Swiss Cheese approach to learning
Socially acceptable in a small group of peers
Disruptive, abusive or withdrawn.
May choose an alternative lifestyle.

The Twice Exceptional:
Possesses high potential but experiences learning/emotional difficulties
Hidden strengths and talents
Anxious about failure
Strong need for acceptance
Requires individual program plan for success.

The Autonomous Learner:
Independent and self-directed
Positive self image
High risk takers
Effectively manages their environment to meet their needs
Freely expresses feelings, needs and goals.

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