HCL Frequently Asked Questions

What indicates that a student is gifted?

Definitions of giftedness vary, but the following descriptors are indicative (but not inclusive) of a highly capable learner:

• Understands complex concepts
• Reads a vast variety of materials
• Has high retention of information
• Exhibits original, divergent, and creative thinking
• Demonstrates and accelerated pace of thought processes
• Shows heightened capacity for seeing relationships among disparate data
• Processes and creates complex generalizations
• Is curious and has a broad spectrum of interests
• Is able to generate original ideas and solutions
• Solves problems and manipulates relevant information
• Thinks spatially and/or symbolically
• Is intuitive, intense, and intellectually mature; but, may be socially naïve
• Displays a sophisticated sense of humor
• Responds to challenges appropriate to social, emotional and intellectual development
• Shows an advanced level of language development and verbal ability
• Exhibits advanced levels of musical and/or kinesthetic talent