It's important to understand what it means to be gifted, but definitions of giftedness
are as unique as the children they represent. The following definitions are highly respected within
the gifted community, as they are based on evidence and research. Use these definitions to help you create
your own definition of giftedness:
The Federal Definition of Gifted and Talented states: "The term ‘gifted and talented,” when used with respect to students, children,
or youth, means students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in such areas as intellectual,
creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services or activities not ordinarily
provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities."
In 1993, the US Department of Education issued this definition: “Children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment
when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment.”
The National Association for Gifted Children claims that, “Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude
(defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10% or rarer)
in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language)
and/or set of sensorimotor skills (e.g., painting, dance, sports).”
Meriam-Webster defines giftedness as, "Having great natural ability; revealing a special gift."
Given these broad and varied definitions of giftedness, it's no surprise that gifted programming and curriculum varies by
country, state, and even school districts. While many districts throughout the St. Louis area are similar in terms
identification, service delivery, and curriculum, differences certainly do exist among St. Louis gifted programs. This website
will serve as your guide to understanding what "gifted" means at Orchard Farm, how CATS students are identified,
how our services are delivered to Orchard Farm students, and how you can best support your student.
