First, a word about terminology. You will see much discussion in the literature about using the term “gifted” or “talented” or “gifted and talented.” For several years, Indiana followed the pattern in much of the rest of the nation and did not try to distinguish between the two but used both terms as if it were one six-syllable term: “gifted-and-talented.” You will see some discussion of attempting to distinguish between the two terms as:
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Gifted
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Talented
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1. Very high IQ (e.g. 130+)
2. Innate
3. Comprehensive—in many areas
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1. High IQ, but not as high as “gifted”
2. Worked very hard to develop
3. Identified in one, or a few, “talent”
areas—often in the arts
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Indiana has insightfully decided to avoid the argument and use yet another term: “High Ability.” This term provides the advantage of meaning either demonstrated high performance or potential for high performance, but not yet demonstrated. This module will follow Indiana’s lead and use the term High Ability and not, except when referencing authors who use a term, use either “gifted” or “talented.”
