"[Twice-Exceptional Students] are both bolstered by exceptional talent or giftedness, as well as challenged by a form of disability. Unfortunately, this general description does little justice to describing the significant heterogeneity among the population of twice-exceptional students. Giftedness bears many faces and, likewise, disabilities which vary in impact." --THE PARADOX OF TWICE-EXCEPTIONALITY. |
What is a Twice-Exceptional learner?
A simple definition: Twice-exceptional (2e) learners are intellectually gifted and have one or more learning disabilities. Many of these learners are unidentified because their gifts can mask disabilities, or their disabilities can mask their gifts. In some cases, disabilities and gifts mask each other. Twice-Exceptional learners need specialized instruction, with particular attention to their social and emotional needs and development. There is great variety in both giftedness and learning disabilities. Twice-exceptional learners are therefore unique unto themselves; no two 2e kids are alike in their needs.
Sometimes these learners are called GT / LD, which means Gifted and Talented / Learning Disabled. The Montgomery County, Maryland, School District--a leader in 2e education--defines this population as follows: "Students who are GT/LD are those who are considered gifted, have a learning disability as defined by IDEA, and require special education services in order to receive educational benefit." (See Montgomery County Twice Exceptional Guidebook.)
The research is clear: 2e kids need specific educational policies and approaches. Unfortunately, there are no Federal policies to guide even gifted learning, much less 2e learning, and few school districts have well-developed policies to help this underserved population.
Sometimes these learners are called GT / LD, which means Gifted and Talented / Learning Disabled. The Montgomery County, Maryland, School District--a leader in 2e education--defines this population as follows: "Students who are GT/LD are those who are considered gifted, have a learning disability as defined by IDEA, and require special education services in order to receive educational benefit." (See Montgomery County Twice Exceptional Guidebook.)
The research is clear: 2e kids need specific educational policies and approaches. Unfortunately, there are no Federal policies to guide even gifted learning, much less 2e learning, and few school districts have well-developed policies to help this underserved population.
“Children at the far end of the IQ spectrum have the potential to take a number of life and career paths or to break new ground because of their innate abilities, but learning differences may severely limit their potential if not remediated, scaffolded and supported." -Gifted Homeschoolers Forum brochure, “Twice Exceptional: Smart Kids with Learning Differences” |