ABSTRACT
When students perceive they are devalued, the interventions, however appropriate, may fail. The goal of education is to provide opportunities for students to build knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes in order to become successful, contributing members of a global society. Successful, practical programming is based on solid research and theory. These students must be guaranteed access to accelerated and enriched instruction that maintains the rigor and high standards expected of all gifted students. Bright students with learning challenges are therefore not to be excluded from this promise. Research and a review of successful programs indicate that the most important component of these students’ education is providing rigorous instruction in each student’s area of strength. Smart kids with learning disabilities need instruction of skills and strategies in academic areas that are affected by the student’s weakness or disability.
