#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday May 17, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream or better yet; join us!
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is the “Stigma of Giftedness”
Before we begin, please tell us where you’re from and introduce yourself!
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate, presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA
Hi Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site Victoria Australia here on Wednesday 10.00 am for
Hi all! Helen from Houston here.
Good evening friends! Cait from Long Island, NY, G & T and Enrichment Specialist Teacher
Good evening friends! Cait from Long Island, NY, G & T and Enrichment Specialist Teacher
7th and 8th Grade Social Studies teacher hailing from Boston, MA and teaching and living in Charleston, SC
Joining near Boston. Parent. Obsolete gifted kid married to same. Lurking.
Jen in N IL. Flutist/writer/blogger/homeschooler. I’M BACK! I’ve missed b/c of band rehearsal. So good to be here for the summer!
Hi all. Carol from Indiana here.
Leslie Graves - aka Leslinks- Mom, advocate, misunderstood and President WCGTC.. hi!!!
I grew up near Pittsburgh! Go Steelers!
I studied abroad in Australia at UNSW! I took my first G & T class there!
Tracy from North Texas here. Excited about this topic!
From Dublin, Ireland the wet green lands of fairy dust and magic...
Hi, Les!!!! Late for you!
As a reminder, we use a Q1/Q2 format for questions & A1/A2 for answers during
If joining via Twitter, remember to add the hashtag to each tweet
Candace from the Dallas area here!
yes indeed late... but here none the less ;-)
A1) Stigma can described as a label that associates a person to a set of unwanted characteristics that form a stereotype
A1 Being ostracized for who you are at your core.
A1 The social stigma surrounding GT Ss is that they're nerds, not-athletic, introverts maybe. Not true.
A1) Stigma = mark of difference that needs to be overcome before you are accepted by peers
Social stigma - discrediting stereotype placed on individuals with attribute that deviates from norm https://t.co/e6Z4hUouzU
Hi Tyler nice to 'see' you
A1: A label that leads to discontent within a social milieu.
A1) Social stigma assumes you don't intend to belong.
A1) Stigma – attribute that extensively discredits a person, reducing from whole & usual to tainted individual. (Goffman 1963)
A1- Being made to feel 'on the edge' not quite part of everybody else.. like a loose bubble..? waiting to pop!
Hmm ... hadn't thought of it in this way. https://t.co/Org4HKopPf
A1) Social stigma assumes you don't intend to belong.
A1 a negative or misguidedview of a group. I would even say simply putting attributes good or bad on every member of a group.
A1 - a label based on social perception and often ignorance. Broad brush...
Hopefully we can dispel some of that ignorance today! https://t.co/VNqxFf2saM
A1 - a label based on social perception and often ignorance. Broad brush...
Being gifted is not a social handicap, but it is a mark of distinction or measurable difference that makes you different from peers
Very interesting, Jeremy. I like this perspective of what a social stigma assumes.
A2 GT Ss can be left out/ignored at recess but then everyone wants to be their partner when academics are involved
A1) Goffman stigma is attribute or reputation which is socially discrediting causing person to be classed by others as undesirable
I think some might disagree; many kids see it as a handicap.
Hey guys...Andi, gifted educator in Texas. Checking in a little late!
a1. The failure of a system in teaching individuality, difference, diversity, and complexity of the human experience.
it threatens freedom to be themselves. "They don't have to act smart all the time." When they're not acting.
A2) They figure out quite quickly that they will be treated differently by adults; sometimes unfair expectations.
A2 sometimes teachers, parents, and peershave unrealistic expectations based on this stigma.
a1. The product of closed minds. Much like racism, misogyny, ageism.
A2: Causes some to try to be something other themselves...underachievement, acting out, withdrawn.
A2) Parental pressure to succeed and social stigma from peers can isolate a GT student
A2 When your core SELF is being rejected? Kids can react badly, as can adults. Anxiety is just the start.
A2: Realize that they are expected to be and do more those around them. Pressure to avoid failure, risk-taking.
A1) A social stigma is anything that causes self-doubt and shame in a way that is or feels public.
Freedom - something I thought about immediately when learning what our topic would be tonight
A2 do Ss understand it as stigma? Or do they only label it after a concerned adult labels it for them?
A2 - Adults may assume they are mature, advanced and can teach others...
A2) Gifted children may manipulate info about themselves to ensure they still have normal social relationships. (Cross/Coleman 1993)
A1 Can make them feel 'apart' from the crowd, or above, or ...
https://t.co/MbJyakcNKO
A2 When your core SELF is being rejected? Kids can react badly, as can adults. Anxiety is just the start.
I think many quickly see it for what it is.
I like that you included underachievement! Stigmatized students attempts to fit in can cause drastic changes
A2)The "stigma" of giftedness causes self-doubt, imposter syndrome, shame if being oneself and fear if seeming imperfect.
A2 Anyone would take a self-esteem hit when stigmatized for being themselves!
A2) Stigma of giftedness can cause people to label the child with all the myths and stereotypes about giftedness even if not true
A2: S could feel burdened to stand preeminent in all disciplines amongst classmates.
I've seen many Ss underachieve in an effort to convince peers they "belong".
A2) Gifted Ss may be less likely to participate in G/T programs in upper grades for fear of being ostracized https://t.co/Ro5FcXO3FS
A2: Lack of distinction between a high achiever and a gifted S can cause G student to feel misunderstood
with 13 school days left in year one here for
A2) Also affects parents of gifted children – cutting them off from support offered other parents b/c their children are ‘different’
A2) Ashamed of my public imperfection tweeting under the wrong account. 😅
yup.. many (including mine) did 'just enough' to fit in...
A2) Gifted Ss may be less likely to self-identify, self-report, and/or self-advocate to ensure their needs are met
And HOOBOY do parents need support! They’re doing the heavy lifting! https://t.co/dQQdkpxnVi
A2) Also affects parents of gifted children – cutting them off from support offered other parents b/c their children are ‘different’
a2.confusion. Being myself means ostracised into being alone. Being with others means sacrificing myself. Either way: alone.
Yup I was about to add that gt partents are stigmatised too.. teehee
A2: Important to note the plight of the child in our schools
I saw this a lot with my 7th/8th graders declining to participate b/c they valued peer group response more
A3) Invisible strategies include ‘not’ saying a test is easy; ‘not’ volunteering answers.
RT a2.confusion. Beg myself means ostracised in2 being alone. Being with others means sacrificing myself. Either way: alone.
A3) Pretend to not pay attention or work in class until the last minute. Then, they generate the bare minimum
A3) Invisible strategies include asking questions when answer is known; not telling age if accelerated.
A3 Play dumb to fit in. Act silly in class to be the "cool kid" or class clown
A2 my LS have voiced that they get frustrated because peers think they are good at everything and Ts think they never need help.
A3) Hold back. Deny themselves a challenge... or feel like they don't want to show what they're capable of. https://t.co/eMDW5359nM
Keeping quiet in the classroom
a2. Stigma can also come from home. If parent hates intelligence being yourself creates emotional distance.
A3: Blend in, play down their own abilities, avoid situations that will showcase their giftedness and uniqueness.
A3) Visible strategies include being the class clown; obnoxious behavior; dressing outside current styles
A3 - Mine wouldn't let his math counts teacher announce his name as a winner over the school PA.
A3 They hide. Stick their light under a bucket. Cut their own tall poppy down.
A3) Past studies have shown gifted students becoming highly involved in extracurricular activities to ‘fit in’. (Coleman 1985)
A3 One of my gifted students always insists on working with others
A3 become the class clown, choose the easy assignment when choice given, pick what peers pick to research rather than their passion.
A3) Far too many kids begin to deny their giftedness; lack belief in their own abilities.
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing.
a2. Social stigma creates a feeling of "I just can't win" because there is loss with/without people.
A3) Students may dumb down to fit in, be the class clown or drop out to avoid getting the gifted label stigma
I've a nefew just been retained for doing 'nothing' all year just to 'fit' in...
Q4) What are potentially negative outcomes of avoidance behavior related to the stigma of giftedness? https://t.co/WbT0bobGXI
A3) As an adult, I rarely mention my own giftedness unless in the right crowd. The stigma of perceived perfection still lives on.
A3 - Mine made sure he had a "girlfriend" 7-12 gr, so no one messed with him.
a2. Trying hard to fit in can make matters worse. We all know the loneliest places can be amongst people.
I see y’all!
RT : A3) Far too many kids begin to deny their giftedness; lack belief in their own abilities.
I actually am seeing this more and more each year. How did we get here?
A3) risky behavior like promisuity, drugs and alcohol
A4) When kids feel different & don’t know why; can lead to feelings of abnormality
A4: Daydreamer and not a Doer
A4) Child may hide giftedness to ‘fit in’ socially with age-peers; may lead to underachievement.
A4) Feelings of inadequacy can create a cycle of failure and isolation
Q4 lack of self esteem- belief they are not capable of what they are.. a pulling out of the the rug
A4: Society could be missing out on a brilliant problem solver.
A4) If program participation is voluntary, a decline in participation could lead to lack of admin support for continuation
A4) Avoidance of the stigma of giftedness is creating different stigmas that are negative & damaging. You also deny your true self.
RT RT : A4: Society could be missing out on a brilliant problem solver.
A4) Avoidance of accepting the label can cause missed opportunities, lack of self esteem more difficulty finding true peers
A4) not reaching their potential, risk of not graduating
A3) I had a student who missed a certain number of spelling words just to not stand out, and never missed those words elsewhere.
A4) When gifted Ss fear their giftedness some spaces may exp. a lack of creativity, innovation, & available thought partners
A4) Parents affected too – shy away from sharing about their child’s accomplishments.
A4) Apathy. Deemphasizing the value of giftedness because it doesn't appear to have an immediate advantage. https://t.co/jc2FHvZrSv
Q4) What are potentially negative outcomes of avoidance behavior related to the stigma of giftedness? https://t.co/WbT0bobGXI
A4) Stigmatized groups of people are often the victims of discrimination. (Crocker, Major & Steele 1998)
quiet or clown. Both extremes.
Never getting identified as GT and therefore not receiving needed educational services. I had one fail GT screening on purpose.
A4) Missed opportunities for friendships and relationships with depth
and thus denied an education. Boo!
A4) Not accepting oneself is denying the core of their self.
Folks I'd like to hang on but its very late here.. so wishing you all a great remainder of this important chat!
exactly! So sad and frustrating!
A5) Lack of attention to exceptional ability can cause child to begin to doubt or have low regard for abilities. (Gross 2003)
Thanks for joining us in the middle of your night! We'll be having several earlier chats this summer!
Happens quite alot I would say... I know one or two kids who would have done similar..
I think one of my Ss did that this yr. He equates GT to mean extra work.
I admire my MS GT son. He announced in 6th grade that he found his people-the nerds & wears the badge proudly. I wis that were me.
A5 stifles development. If development option is pullout only some Ls refuse to go.
Good night, Leslie! I love Ireland! My mom's family is from there & we took a big family trip last year -a special place!
A5) fear of being weird might cloud opportunities to show knowledge or creativity.
A5) Societal forces influence the development of talent by the experiences and expectations they place on students. (Simonton 2005)
important aspect of topic.. dear to my heart... and tymly from this end.. respect greatheart... ;-)
Thanks for the great conversation ! I am checking out early tonight, but I enjoyed the experience. Till next week!
a5. Depends on the social cultural economic racial milieu. must be taken into account when answering all of the questions tonight.
A5) Stigma hollows out the soul and denies the realization of talent.
A5)The stigma of giftedness is a double edged sword. Drive & grit to achieve talent vs. perfection. Fear of not being best cripples.
An aspect of this discussion that could be entirely different chat on its own!
Interesting to think about how societal forces shape the talent development
True! What is valued in some cultures and groups is shunned or not valued in others
My Growth Mindset page https://t.co/0glE7eY0v1 "Intelligence &talent are developed through passion, learning, and persistence."
A5: school culture has to support the talent aspect of GT so students feel that they belong otherwise causes problems.
sadly some teachers think that too.
A5 Ps may not allow theater, art or other extracurricula b/c child needs to focus on academics
Q6) What can parents do to help their child cope with the stigma associated with giftedness? https://t.co/Sh5JgKPQ8x
A6) Parents can explain what giftedness is/its characteristics so child isn’t confused about feeling different.
Linking negative attributes stigmas to groups facilitates separation into "us" and "them" thinking and can cause bullying for gifted
A6 Model letting your freak flag fly. BE YOU & show how it’s done.
A6: Parents can model adaptive behaviors - Model that life is to be experienced, not fought against, run from (-dr.tsabary)
Q6) Celebrate their child's giftedness, encourage fostering relationships w/other gifted Ss and families
A6) Parents should provide opportunities for children to associate with intellectual peers in an appropriate environment.
I've experienced pressure to keep up with my GT peers. It's challenged me to improve positive peer pressure https://t.co/bwMmryRKzo
A6 Treat your child like a child. He is not emotionally 24 b/c his IQ is 180.
Giftedness & Genetics: The Emergenic Epigenetic Model & Its Implications (pdf) Simonton 2005 https://t.co/Qc7YfPJg9g
A6) Be a part of it. Share learning together. Don't treat it like his/her "thing." Be proud. https://t.co/5yFHf5BDX3
Q6) What can parents do to help their child cope with the stigma associated with giftedness? https://t.co/Sh5JgKPQ8x
A6) Don't refer to their sibling as the ungifted child. Um yeah. Not cool for either.
A6 find groups of similarly minded peers for L to spend time with, encourage unique interests, get L connected with a mentor.
A6) Relax! Understand the intersection of asynchronous development and emotional IQ
A6) Parents can help with the stigma of giftedness by finding a passion & pursuing it as an example. Then step back, watch & cheer.
A6) parents may need to seek counseling/therapy if they believe their child’s well-being is adversely affected.
A6) Parents can love them unconditionally, advocate, show their support and encouragement of interests, help find true peers
😢 What gifted students do to avoid the stigma of giftedness. Why should any child hide the light inside? https://t.co/KAvQeigUD7
A3 They hide. Stick their light under a bucket. Cut their own tall poppy down.
A6: be proud of their child, find activities that support the giftedness, and listen to their child's needs. https://t.co/rvzMV8bZtx
Important to remember! https://t.co/bfMIsveZPp
A6) Relax! Understand the intersection of asynchronous development and emotional IQ
A6) personally embrace the G word and use it
(boggle) People DO that?!?!
A6 - Ps can encourage them to pursue their passion while taking rigorous course wk. In that pursuit, feelings of stigma can lessen.
A6) Connect, offer your full presence to the child
Sigh. Our words form their minds. Words need to be kind.
Sometimes wish we didn't label Ss GT. Or didn't tell them. Some act like they're better than the rest. Too cocky
Uh, yeah. But... calling one of your kids 'ungifted'?!?! I am odd, because I cannot even.
You really are my people! ❤️ I think I've got at least 4 emotions during this chat. I so needed this today.
Unfortunately, some schools will only address needs when we label them. *sigh*
And others need to know, so they don’t feel wrong.
We’re nearly at the end of our chat today … final thoughts?
This will be archived at and the link will be shared via later today
Thanks to the extraordinary staff at for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
It was perfect. Or imperfect. Or perfectly imperfect! (Avoiding the stigma!) 😂
Before you go … build your Personal Learning Network and follow those whose comments you liked!
Encourage the child to never betray their true self, and while you're at it, you do the same.
There can be a sense of relief knowing about yourself especially in comparison... "Better than" is not a good approach.
Our next chat will be Tues May 24th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 25th May at 1AM (UK)/12.00 NZST/10.00 AEST
as is often the case, this chat was also relevant to kids of various challenges and abilities. So we're in this together!
