ABSTRACT
Students who are bright and have learning challenges need to be carefully identified so that they can receive both the challenge and support they need and deserve. Successful identification consists of many pieces. The pieces may not make sense in isolation, but together they can eventually provide a clear understanding of an individual child’s educational history, strengths, needs, and learning styles. Regardless of the circumstances, smart students with learning challenges have repeatedly reported that school is a difficult and frustrating experience. Some student’s behaviors (whether acting out or shutting down) do provide clues to their parents that the formal identification process for diagnosis as gifted and talented or for having learning disabilities should be considered. The National Association for Gifted Children is the preeminent organization in the nation to support the education of gifted children.
