Assessing+Gifted+and+Deficient+Students


 * Effective Teaching Strategies for Gifted/Learning-Disabled Students With Spatial Strengths **

When we look at a list of disabilities or special needs that require accommodation in the classroom, often we don’t consider that a child who is deemed deficient in one area, may be considered gifted in another. As a society, we are quick to focus our efforts on lessening their weaknesses rather than nurturing their talents. With the recent passing of Steve Jobs, we have been exposed to the dichotomy of the undereducated genius in the media. It is commonly known that, though he was considered a failure in school, he was able to conceptualize what have arguably become some of the most influential technology of our time. The article I have selected focuses on the special needs of a group of students they may include Mr. Jobs. They are students considered learning disabled but who have spatial talents. The key concepts in educating and assessing these students involve creating an atmosphere of caring, cultivating strengths, and using authentic assessment. The observations in the study lead to the conclusions that students with disabilities such as dysgraphia, dyslexia, etc., should be offered choices in their learning and assessment and be given the opportunity to express what they learned in mediums they feel competent in. Specifically, let's say one of these students was in my 8th grade Algebra class. While they may have difficulty with multiple choice format I commonly use for tests, they may have no problem proving that they can identify the properties of addition and multiplication in a tree map. This type of authentic assessment would allow them to show understanding of the required concepts (properties) in a way that produces less anxiety.

While this study was conducted in a private/specialized academy setting, its implications can, and should, translate into every classroom. The bottom line is, there may be a genius hiding behind the child who can’t read and it’s our job to assess them appropriately, not fail them for not being able to conform.

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