Advocating for gifted students requires some understanding of the myths about giftedness. We had a neighbor whose son tested into gifted. His teacher called home repeatedly to talk about behavioral issues (I agree that it is best practice to keep family informed.) She told his mom that she would not differentiate for his giftedness until his behavior improved. This also happened to my niece (who lives in a different state.) She tested as gifted as well as dyslexic. Her district told her mom that they would not provide her with gifted services because of the twice exceptionality. People–including parents and some teachers–carry a stereotype of an idealized perfect “gifted student.” Gifted students’ need for differentiation is not negated by their behavior, nor by twice exceptionality. I think we can dispel myths by informing people as we encounter misinformation. Our school offers classes for parents to learn about giftedness.
