#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 March 8, 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 “Does Changing the ‘Gifted’ Label Change Anything?”
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 a humid Wednesday noon for
Hi, Jo! Thanks for joining us!
Hi. Gail Post - psychologist, advocate, blogger, mom of 2 college kids
As a reminder, we use a Q1/Q2 format for questions & A1/A2 for answers during
To join chat, you can use any app or if joining via Twitter, remember to add the hashtag to each tweet.
Sarah, gifted support educator from PA
Alex Clough- school counselor and mother of 2 elementary kiddos
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ & let us know where you’re from!
Question 1 is coming up in a minute!
Hi! Liz here from Texas. GT educator K-5
Evening, . Parent from Connecticut.
Q1) Why do we have labels in the first place?
Hi there, usually in Ireland,Presently in Miami-Leslie Graves Parent, gifted advocate & President of the World Council 4 Gifted & T
A1) In education, labels are used as the basis for requesting appropriate programs, challenges, enrichment, and accommodations.
Welcome, Les! Nice to see you again!
A1) Labels help to determine the educational, counselling and parenting provisions that are needed
Welcome, Althea! Don't forget the hashtag >>> ! :)
A1) Labels are protective, allowing school staff to plan appropriately for students.
A1) Provides clarity, allows for easily recognizable, understandable concepts
Labels may help clarify what the conversation is about, some people need this, others intuitively may not. Both have =&-
Yes, a much needed provision! https://t.co/gEOUhFIbmd
A1) Provides clarity, allows for easily recognizable, understandable concepts
Just joining in. I am a K-5 gifted specialist in Chapel Hill and the mother of a 2E college student.
RT RT : A1) Labels help to determine the educational, counselling and parenting provisions that are needed
Hi there! nice to have you on board tonight!
A1) So teachers who come to me to complain about my "gifted" students have a time to use sarcastic air quotes
A1) A label, term, diagnosis, etc. can be tested, validated, disproven...
Sadly, too often true. Something parents/non-educators know little about.
Gifted Ss have special social and emotional needs that regular education Ts may not know about. The label helps us advocate.
A1) Without labels, services generally will not be offered.
A1) Problem is...the "gifted" label is loaded!
Indeed ... why we chose this topic ... to explain. https://t.co/MylsOwy9BZ
A1) Problem is...the "gifted" label is loaded!
Kelly from WA-writer, blogger, veteran public school teacher, homeschooling mama to my 2e 10yr Son
Q2) Why is the ‘gifted’ label so divisive?
Hi, Kelly! Love your blog!
I struggle w/ the label because some think it to be a synonym for perfectly behaved or high achieving or motivated,etc.
WOW! Thank you! Huge compliment😍
A2) Everyone understandably feels their child is a gift to them... saying a child is "gifted" can make others feel devalued
A2) The connotation that gifted means ‘better than’ or ‘special’ is a misrepresentation in regards to education.
customary in school to receive services-personally, it explained the questions I had about my then preschooler
customary in school to receive services-personally, it explained the questions I had about my then preschooler
Yes I think that is the main reason - it is considered not 'politically correct' to say 'gifted' https://t.co/JFEEaLijtU
A2) The connotation that gifted means ‘better than’ or ‘special’ is a misrepresentation in regards to education.
A2) Some feel left out, or perceive that when schools label Ss as gifted, it means "better"
A2) Gifted advocates need to do a better job at educating the general public about the true nature of giftedness.
A2) The term fuels others' envy, bitterness, misconceptions
A2) Term also can create confusion, guilt, ambivalence in the child
some feel elitist or bragging-also overused to describe high achieving students
RT some feel elitist or bragging-also overused to describe high achieving students
a2) it's so misunderstood. Many forget it's a personality.... one that can compounds and/or often comes w/ other LD's
Important to note ... gifted doesn't always equal high achieving! https://t.co/wupMsgDNYg
some feel elitist or bragging-also overused to describe high achieving students
via parents 'once you've stopped labeling something, it's easy to pretend it doesn't exist.
A.2 Sometimes the label does not allow for flexible services. It is can hurt the growth mindset.
A2: "Intelligence is not everything. It does not save you from yourself" People don't get the downside https://t.co/OBtRP457QS
Yes! Life isn't all rose colored- it can be really hard for GT Ss to live in a world that doesn't understand https://t.co/GRAGP37zc2
A2) Gifted advocates need to do a better job at educating the general public about the true nature of giftedness.
Q3) What alternatives exist to the ‘gifted’ label?
Making dinner in the mountains while I tweet
Yes! It can be empowering, disabling, or everything in between. just is. https://t.co/KErlwGtMrK
A2) The connotation that gifted means ‘better than’ or ‘special’ is a misrepresentation in regards to education.
not sure we need new label-just clarified definition of what it is and what it isn't. This seems especially true w/ 2e
A3) Different areas of the U.S. and other countries use terms such as high ability, AIG, high potential.
A3) High ability has been used
A3) Alternatives exist to make the idea of ‘ability’ more palatable to the general public.
A2) There needs to be a better understanding among all stakeholders of the varied needs of gifted students.
A3) Labels not needed if every student was really given provisions that matched level, depth, breadth, pace and complexity needed
We’re already half way through . Thanks for all the great sharing!
A3)Asynchronous development- it focuses on the fact that while different, Ss still have strengths/weaknesses. But it's a mouthful.
Yet, this is so rare. I only see this in the wealthiest schools in U.S. https://t.co/aUutcr7oh6
A3) Labels not needed if every student was really given provisions that matched level, depth, breadth, pace and complexity needed
Trying to join from phone & road, hi all, Carolyn K. from Hoagies' Gifted
It also isn't universally accepted; even in the gifted community. Need more education on this. https://t.co/grbAA4Oi7s
A3)Asynchronous development- it focuses on the fact that while different, Ss still have strengths/weaknesses. But it's a mouthful.
Q4) What are some positive outcomes that could come from changing the label?
whatever the label is, it must clearly explain to all what it means
A4) In some instances, public acceptance could be a positive outcome.
read this article today. So important for all to understand.
A4) Publicity - just from the act of changing it, but also increased understanding, less envy, resistance, dismissiveness
A.4 If we change the label we might change some of the attitudes that go along with it.
Q4) A new mindset and a deeper understanding of childrens' needs, academically and social-emotionally
A4) Changing the label may reduce the incidences of bullying and ridicule of gifted children.
GT Ss are often similar to age peers in certain respects, be it emotional, social, physical... , ie not evenly developed
first things to my mind: Clarity, a paradigm shift, understanding, reduced stigma
A3)Apart from professional terms, there's always "passionately curious." "Accelerated" implies it a little. https://t.co/npYOG7e7z0
Q3) What alternatives exist to the ‘gifted’ label?
A3. Offer grouping by subject not gifted id but achievement in specific subject that school year. 2e & non-gifted but talented too!
Very positive terms ... we need these!
A4) Ss are freed from prejudices, unfair expectations, possibly might avoid imposter syndrome
A4: changing label will change little, but confuse many. Not worthwhile, IMHO
My 2E son has never believed the gifted side. Only the LD side. It is a hard thing to sell on someone who struggles.
Which leads us to the next question!
Q5) Are there any negative aspects to changing the label?
RT A4: changing label will change little, but confuse many. Not worthwhile, IMHO (agree- round&round themulberrybush)
A5) A major negative of changing the gifted label would be the loss of services in many school districts.
A5) Confusion, since it has been used for so long
A4) Changing the label could reduce misperception that parents claim it as a privilege. They're looking for what fits best.
A5) If label is changed existing provisions may be lost or diluted
yes indeed.. often if it is watered down, services are watered down too...
A5) However, changing label is different from eliminating it - either way, there is already a lack of clarity with the definition
I think it would slow us down or set us back while many thought they needed to re-evaluate the "label's" offerings
A5) Gifted children need to understand why they feel different from their peers; why they don’t always ‘fit in’.
A5 I wonder if the more important work is educating stakeholders rather than changing label?
A4: : Changing the label mayreduce bullying.. I think not. We're different anyway, different is often the reason
Good point ... which is why I used 'may' ;) https://t.co/vu5L8jhBZ8
A4: : Changing the label mayreduce bullying.. I think not. We're different anyway, different is often the reason
A5) Our district has moved away from the gifted label in elementary schools. It has resulted in confusion for families and staff.
A5. Labels already differ school to school and state to state. It doesn't help. Actual federal definition of Gifted might help
Yes! https://t.co/sCQvo4lyp5
A5) Gifted children need to understand why they feel different from their peers; why they don’t always ‘fit in’.
A5) Also might undo some progress made in terms of mandated services, identification, etc support is lost through confusion
new opportunity to clearly define
A4)- I've seen many times....Gifted label taken out of the 'Special Needs population'- and services withdrawn/made non-existant 1/2
Yes! RT A5. Labels already differ school to school and state to state. It doesn't help. Actual federal definition...
I have as well ... so frustrating! https://t.co/oYXjrGpwi2
A4)- I've seen many times....Gifted label taken out of the 'Special Needs population'- and services withdrawn/made non-existant 1/2
Sometimes changing the label/ removing a label which once was attached to 'Special Needs' can give excuse needed to remove services
A5) Too many times "gifted classes" used as term for advanced classes - waters down the concept, fails to help gifted kids.
A5) Changing label may lead to more attempts at 'one size fits all' provisions. Sprite says https://t.co/p4mXOztC0v
admittedly snarky but "A rose is still a rose", right? A lemon (perceived or real) is still seen as a lemon. Change the PoV
: A4) Changing the label could reduce misperception.. Imho we need to change gifted to ID ALL socio-ec levels
Final question is on deck!
RT A5) Changing label may lead to more attempts at 'one size fits all' provisions. Sprite says https://t.co/0hwExOU7AV
Q6) In the end, will it make any difference if we change the label?
-yes, there is an imbalance, possible biases occurring
A5) Words don't always change attitudes, so there might be a better use of time. It's ultimately about giving kids what they need.
would that change the label?
A6) It is highly doubtful that changing the label would have any long-lasting, positive effect.
A6) To those who aren’t interested in providing individualized learning experiences for all children; labels are inconsequential.
A6) It would depend on how it would be presented, marketed, and how others would be educated about it - but ultimately may not help
do we need better accountability instead of the state stds. I think TX does a good just in setting standards. (1 of 2)
A6) Too often, popular authors argue eliminating 'label' ... don't realize the real consequences for gifted children.
the specific name won't matter w/o accompanying education about what gifted is &what it isn't. Must educate the educators
A6) It would be wonderful if labels weren't necessary and we were able to meet all students needs as individuals.
A2) I'll give up if I can be a . That's the only other label I like.
(2 of 2) I am not suggesting CommonCore-GT but just thinking out loud.
In part, thanks to the strong state org in TX (& our supporter) ---> https://t.co/YAAlx8SoPw
do we need better accountability instead of the state stds. I think TX does a good just in setting standards. (1 of 2)
Yes! https://t.co/JGM4R1XHfS
A6) It would be wonderful if labels weren't necessary and we were able to meet all students needs as individuals.
We’re near the end of our today … any final thoughts or questions?
This chat will be archived at and the link will be shared via later today.
sorry, not "instead of"... But of the
A6) If new label were perfect match for current term gifted it probably would not change the situation - more education is needed
Thanks to the extraordinary staff at for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Agreed ... https://t.co/Mm5tYWQyTt
A6) If new label were perfect match for current term gifted it probably would not change the situation - more education is needed
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Before you go … build your Personal Learning Network and follow some of the people whose tweets you liked!
Thank you Lisa and advisory board, sponsors,supporters and everyone for another great
Next Sunday, March 13th, the U.S. switches to Daylight Savings Time. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGES for chat next week.
Thankyou .. grateful to have had the time to relax tonite with my favorite people...
Our next chat will be Tues March 15th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 16th March at Midnight (UK)/ 11.00 AEDT /13.00 NZDT
Final thought: Misunderstanding happens whatever we do. Worry less about perception associated with labels. You know your kid best.
So true https://t.co/RwDfZrxbTo
Final thought: Misunderstanding happens whatever we do. Worry less about perception associated with labels. You know your kid best.
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts & comments today. That’s what chats are all about!
RT : Thanks! and tx gifted
