The Gifted

Gifted students are often perceived and treated like the cream of the crop.. the best of the best. But because of that many may struggle with issues older than their years. Recent surveys show gifted students seem to deal with higher incidences of... a need to always be perfect.. in all things... not just school. Stress & burnout.. from doing too much.. gifted children are often poor time managers. Boredom.. and teasing by others.. like being called nerd.

In Assignment:Education.. Bill Ratliff has some tips from experts on how to help the gifted just be kids.

--[Student Rose Hedburg says:] "They're trying so much to become a part of it." [Teacher Deborah Love says:] "That's good. That's good."--

There's an energy in this classroom that you can almost feel. The students are alert and animated. Teacher Deborah Love moves quickly.. table to table.

--[Ms. Love says:] "Now think about it logically. How would you find out if that person was mentally ill or not?"

This is a Seventh grade science class at Seminole Middle School in Pinellas County. It's made up entirely of gifted students. On this day they are studying the brain.

--[Ms. Love says:] "Look in terms of the optical illusions. Appraise its artistic value. And then explain what you found out about it."--

Their advanced intellect is what brings these students together.. each with an I.Q. of 130 or above. But they may not realize there are other things that bring them together. Experts say many gifted students deal with emotional issues other students don't.

--[Art Ditmer says:] "There's a lot of pressure put on these kids."--

Art Dimter is Pinellas County's Supervisor of gifted programs.

--[Ditmer says:] "They are always told they need to be perfect.. that they are one of the brightest kids in the school and because of that.. Emotionally it causes stress to them."--

Some of these youngsters acknowledge their parents have high expectations of them.

--[Student Eric Martin says:] "My mom expects me to get straight A's and stuff."-- [Student Rose Hedburg:] "I strive for all A's and my parents are a little disappointed if I get some B's."--

Teacher Deborah Love says when parents expect alot from their gifted children.. intellectually.. they often expect a lot from them emotionally, as well.

--[Ms. Love says:] "..Because they're very bright, very intelligent.. they expect them to behave more like adults.. and they're not.. they're children."--

Which is -the- most important thing experts say adults need to keep in mind about gifted students. They are children, first. They also say their intellectual development may surpass their emotional and social growth. Remind them they are going to make mistakes in school and in life.. no one is perfect. And let them know you support them regardless of their performance in school. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel 8."

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