Generally, the term gifted refers to people with abilities in about the top two percent of the population. In the United States, we have no federal standard for identifying gifted learners. Some states don't have any formal definition of giftedness offered by state policy or state legislation. Massachusetts, for instance, doesn't have any statewide definition of gifted. Individual school districts in this state vary widely on what they use to measure and define giftedness, and what programs (if any) are offered for selected students.

In Arizona, a state statute declares, “Gifted child means a child who is of lawful school age, who due to superior intellect or advanced learning ability, or both, is not afforded an opportunity for otherwise attainable progress and development in regular classroom instruction and who needs special instruction or special ancillary services, or both, to achieve at levels commensurate with the child's intellect and ability.” It's interesting to note that the language does not permit a child younger than traditional school age to be labeled as gifted. Early school entry is in many instances preferable to a later grade skip, but it may be difficult to arrange in Arizona if the state will not recognize a younger gifted child.

The definition in California is much more inclusive, citing leadership and artistic ability as well as academic prowess.

“Each district shall use one or more of these categories in identifying pupils as gifted and talented. In all categories, identification of a pupil’s extraordinary capability shall be in relation to the pupil’s chronological peers.
(a) Intellectual Ability: A pupil demonstrates extraordinary or potential for extraordinary intellectual development.
(b) Creative Ability: A pupil characteristically:
(1) Perceives unusual relationships among aspects of the pupil’s environment and among ideas;
(2) Overcomes obstacles to thinking and doing;
(3) Produces unique solutions to problems.
(c) Specific Academic Ability: A pupil functions at highly advanced economic levels in particular subject areas.
(d) Leadership Ability: A pupil displays the characteristic behaviors necessary for extraordinary leadership.
(e) High Achievement: A pupil consistently produces advanced ideas and products and/or attains exceptionally high scores on achievement tests.
(f) Visual and Performing Arts Talent: A pupil originates, performs, produces, or responds at extraordinarily high levels in the arts.
(g) Any other category which meets the standards set forth in these regulations.”
Cal. Code Regs. Title 5, § 3822

So if you're wondering if your child is gifted, for purposes of school enrichment or acceleration, a lot depends upon geography. A child who qualifies as gifted in one school district may not in another. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) cautions against reliance on just one test to determine who should be included in a gifted education program. Here is an excerpt from their position statement on using tests to identify gifted students:
“Given the limitations of all tests, no single measure should be used to make identification and placement decisions. That is, no single test or instrument should be used to include a child in or exclude a child from gifted education services....Information should be gathered from multiple sources (caregivers/families, teachers, students, and others with significant knowledge of the students), in different ways (e.g., observations, performances, products, portfolios, interviews), and in different contexts (e.g., in-school and out-of-school settings).”

I support the idea of taking a holistic view of the child when considering proper educational placement. I dream of a future on which every child can get a personalized education plan, which takes into account their learning style, strengths and relative weaknesses, and particular interests. Until then, I advise parents to know their state and district laws and regulations, and to stay on top of national trends in education. For further information, see The National Association for Gifted Children:
www.nagc.org

and Genius Denied:
www.geniusdenied.com