All About Gifted
What is Gifted?
In 1991 the Columbus Group defined giftedness as asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. Below are the state's definitions.
At Westgate, gifted best practices are central to our mission and vision.
State of Colorado Definitions
Listed below are the state definitions for Colorado. While the state definitions include age requirements, it is important to remember that these ages are defined only for the purpose of receiving services.
The state definition in the Colorado Exceptional Children’s Education Act CRS 22-20-202 (6)… “Gifted child” means a person from four to twenty-one years of age whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishments are so outstanding that he or she requires special provisions to meet his or her educational needs.
The state rules for Exceptional Children’s Education Act (1CCR 301-8, Section 12) expand the definition to…. “Gifted and Talented Children” means those persons between the ages of four and twenty-one whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational programming needs. Gifted and talented children are hereafter referred to as gifted students. Children under five who are gifted may also be provided with early childhood special educational services. Gifted students include gifted students with disabilities (i.e. twice exceptional) and students with exceptional abilities or potential from all socio-economic and ethnic, cultural populations.
Gifted students are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or a combination of these areas of giftedness:
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- General or Specific Intellectual Ability,
- Specific Academic Aptitude,
- Creative or Productive Thinking,
- Leadership Abilities, and
- Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Musical or Psychomotor Abilities.
Westgate believes that giftedness exists in all populations, presents in multiple ways, and requires Educational and Affective programming changes to meet the unique needs of gifted persons throughout their lifespan. Many gifted individuals show similar characteristics found in the Twelve Traits of Giftedness Profile and require Serving the Whole Child to best foster growth for them. Additionally, Asynchronous Development and Overexcitabilities are evident in most gifted individuals and Westgate's Whole Child Approach to education benefits this unique group of students with these unique characteristics, and can be further explored on our Whole Child Education Webpage.