Chapter 3 – Students who are Twice-Exceptional. Read the chapter about students who are both gifted and exhibit learning difficulties. We have many students at Rummel Creek who are gifted in one area, yet show disabilities in another…I can think of many who fit this description. In my research for this section I came across a newsletter for children who are “Twice Exceptional” http://www.2enewsletter.com/ . This is something that you may want to share with some of your parents. It provides up to date information and ways to support these students. One of my favorite GT sites has a whole list of contacts and articles for the Twice Exceptional. (http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/twice_exceptional.htm ) Again, this is a nice website to share with parents and colleagues with resources about twice exceptional children.
Technology can be a real boost for students that are twice exceptional. First, many of their disabilities can be assisted through technology. Try these apps and see how you feel they could support students with learning disabilities: Dragon Dictation & Tap to Talk. These are just a few….if you go to the Apple store and search you can find more. Search terms may include: education, special needs, handicapped and
Think of the students you have had in your classroom. How can technology , specifically the ipads/itouches, support those students. Look at the websites below to see how many apps are available to you for your special needs children. The following sites have additional apps for students with special needs – you may want to take a look at a few of them…many of them do have a fee. http://a4cwsn.com/ , http://www.ipodsibilities.com/iPodsibilities/SpEd_Apps.html , http://edudemic.com/2012/02/special-ed-apps/ , http://teachwithyouripad.wikispaces.com/Special+Education+Apps , http://momswithapps.com/apps-for-special-needs/ .
While we’re talking resources – don’t forget that the e-books we have on the Library Resources Page have the ability to read to the students. Many students can listen and learn. Think of setting up a station with one of the e-books. Check out PowerKids Science, our Follett E-books All you would need is a pair of headphones! More on these in the next session!
Reading Links: Chapter 3 -
Assignment for Session 3:
• After reading the article on students that are twice-exceptional, post a comment on something you could do in your classroom to assist a student who is gifted, yet has some type of learning disability. What simple strategy could you change to encourage a student who is twice-exceptional?
• Check out a few of the apps listed on one of the sites above. Post one that you think we could use at RCE on the wiki and give examples of how this could be used with students who are twice-exceptional.
JB Using technology can help kids who are twice exceptional because the learning that needs to be done can be done with an iPad or computer more easily then having to always listen to a teach lecture. Always encourage the twice -exceptional child to try new things and give them encouragement when they achieve with the new technology.
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to wonder who amongst us is not twice exceptional? More to the point, I have seen technology used with an exceptional student while in my class room. He was able to totally focus on the technology where he was getting little if nothing from what I was teaching. (this is a child with multiple learning disabilities) I found a really cool music app called "songify." You randomly say whatever is on your mind and it converts and transforms your words into a song. I can see this working with all of my kids as we tackle writing song lyrics. It insures success for everyone! How cool is that?
ReplyDeleteI agree Karen!
DeleteLD I have had students like this in class before. This year I had a student similar to the twice exceptional student. I knew he was intelligent in many areas, but his learning disability kept him from excelling in all subjects. I already knew his weakness, so I focused on identifying his strenghts. Usually it manifested itself in math, so I encouraged him to work on some of the projects I gave to my higher achieving and gifted students. He got to the point where he began to ask on his own for more challenging material in that area. I didn't really have to plan anything different from what I had already planned for the high achieving and gifted students. I just had to watch and observe to find his strenghts. He only needed a little encouragement to try the higher level tasks because he was already confident in that area. Menu activities helped so much because I was able to offer choice in projects that fit his special learning needs.
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DeleteI am having difficulty with focusing!!! How did I do this? LOL
DeleteWhether it is a student identified as GT, one with disabilities-learning or other, twice exceptional, or just the “average” student I think the use of various forms of technology has helped me differentiate learning for all students. Each student is a unique individual with various strengths and weaknesses. I’ve been able to use our technology resources to help assist me in developing various learning experiences for the class that hone in on students’ strengths and helps them be successful despite any weaknesses they may have, or feel they may have. This past year some students that I had in class might have had difficulty in one area but became the teacher to their peers in other areas. Through the use of technology in the classroom I saw some students that had identified disabilities become exceptional teachers to their peers and gain a confidence that began to carry over into other areas of their learning. The technology also helped me to take learning to the next level for all students.
ReplyDeleteAW - Students that are twice exceptional have an intense motivation to learn and that can mask their disability. They also naturally develop coping strategies which helps them succeed. As a teacher, I want to be supportive and recognize the strengths of each student and not focus on their disability. I want to recognize their talents and plan individually as needed. In order to develop a supportive learning environment I will deliberately teach coping strategies such as note taking and specifically how to use technology to support their work in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteSo well said, Amy.
DeleteIt is hard to think of a limit to how technology can enhance the learning enviroment for twice exceptional students. What IPads and Itouch apps can do to help teach and reinforce what the children have heard or seen at school is incredible. With their determination and the ability to practice the skill on such a user friendly device who knows what their limit will be. This technology could surely be helpful in the way they can relate to and communicate with classmates. KML
ReplyDeleteEvery learner faces unique challenges every day. I was encouraged that many of the concepts presented in the article would help all students achieve success. One thing I did this past year was to implement menus in several subject areas. While I had mixed success with menus, they were very motivating for my students. It was really great to see kids who struggled with paper/pencil tasks blow the other kids away with a piece of artwork, a song, or a movie. The structure of the menus often forced the kids to make a choice outside of their comfort zone, and different levels of Blooms could be included, as well. I'm encouraged to make changed and try again this year.
ReplyDeleteKS. The twice exceptional student is a new term for me......but not a new concept. I tend to think that this term probably describes most of us.....teaching and learning alike! In the classroom using lots of technology for reinforcement, extension of creativity and for helping in the area of the deficit would be motivating to almost all learners. The key would being able to differentiate the programs to fit each learner. I think that is where this class and the knowledge of the apps comes in!
ReplyDeleteCLM-There are two main ideas presented on how to help a twice-exceptional student be successful. First, the emphasis was to focus on the student’s strengths. This reinforces the positive and the area of success that the student already has accomplished.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, it was suggested that twice exceptional students benefited from help in learning or using coping strategies. Students appreciated this effort or emphasis through college level educational levels.
Js in the library I need to be aware of the fact that students may be gifted but have disabilities, also. So instead of assuming they can do all things technical I need to be aware that there may be issues that may hinder the students abilities to read, search Internet, etc.
ReplyDeleteJJ- interesting article. Although I have never taught a student Whois twice-exceptional due to blindness or hearing disabilities, I have certainly encountered those who are highly gifted and ADHD. I thought the coping strategies mentioned were fascinating, especially the deaf doctor whose hearing loss was not detected until he was 6 because he managed to communicate effectively. Students who are twice exceptional are highly motivated to learn and that is something to keep in mind in the classroom, especially with some of the more challenging behavioral issues often associated with a lot of our gifted students. The fact that they feel isolated is another issue that must be addressed. I believe technology is a great tool to use with twice exceptional students in that they can take it as far as they like, and it gives them some independence from other students. Bottom line is to be sure to be open to finding a student's "gift" and not be distracted or discouraged by the "disability."
ReplyDeleteCC Good Article. It is good to take a moment to remind ourselves that just because the GT student doesn't fit into our "ideal GT" box that they should still be considered to be gifted. While I have never taught someone who is blind or deaf, I did have one student who fits this to a T at SBE. She was so exceptional but so different that it was hard at first to get something to work for her.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great reminder to the different learning that needs to take place inside the classroom. I've had many students who excelled in technology, and struggled academically. For those students, it gave them a sense of achievement and helped boost their self-esteem to have the attitude of "I can" rather than "I can't". Technology also served as a boost for the GT kiddos that loved to produce.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but think of ALL the struggles I had learning in Elementary. Reading was extremely difficult and most times, I pretended to read... If I had had access to technology, I may have understood the "code" much easier. However, when it came to writing a paper or doing research in High School - I soared! I had to cope and get over my struggles and switch gears into the mode of "I can do this - I am smart!"
Math - well, that is entirely a different problem as I really have never understood a lot past 4th grade... So, having access to technology and watching and re-watching the algorithms being solved may have saved me from taking College Algebra 5 times!!! I still have a lot of phobia with math!!!
So, twice-exceptional? Yes, most definitely! As teachers, we need to gear in on what the child can do successfully and tone into it to help them improve their self esteem. Then, we can gear lessons that will enhance their skills and get them hooked into learning. I never want any child to go through school with the fear and feeling of stupidity like I had growing up!
HB. Well written article. As a teacher you do see the child who is able to cope from year to year with a disability and continue to learn. Technology is a very powerful tool to use with these Twice Exceptional students. Learning more about technology and gaining knowledge about the many apps that are available will greatly enhance learning for these students in the classroom. With our campus sharing so much of this this knowledge all students will benefit.
ReplyDeleteThis is great information that I wish I had known about earlier in my career as I might have handled a few students differently. I can not help but think about a number of AU students at RCE that I truly believe are gifted in other ways. Because each of these students have times when they need a break from classroom interactions, technology provides great alternative that allows effective instruction to continue. On another note, a number of our teachers do a great job of emphasizing twice exceptional students strengths. Another reason I am proud to work at RCE. NH
ReplyDelete"Twice-Exceptional" is a new way to describe all of us as learners. We all have comfort zones and areas we need growth. Gifted students are no different. When students are faced with challenges, it is important for us to give them choices and clear objectives. It's a fine balance. If there are too many choices, you are setting them up for failure and lack of focus. If there are unclear objectives, you aren't helping them to channel their thinking.
ReplyDeleteI like the use of technology in the classroom to provide more choices in project product. A simple strategy I will provide will be to conference solely based on focusing the learning. This ensures the student spends time doing what he wants AND shows me that the learning has occurred based on the objectives.
Sorry - forgot to initial above - DDM
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great article. Such a great reminder that all kids are truly exceptional. Every year when the students walk into our classroom, it is our job to unlock the "magic" that helps each child learn and to help them be successful. I do agree that "Twice Exceptional" children can benefit from a wide range of technology but I also feel that small group instruction, peer tutoring, and self guided research projects are beneficial as well. It is great that we have so many resources out there to help us do our job and do it well!, I agree with what Theresa said - building confidence in children and helping them to be more independent thinkers is they key to ensure success and a love for learning.
ReplyDeleteLT It is so easy to focus on disabilities and not the strengths of each child. Technology probably is the key for kids that are twice exceptional- as well as a lot of small group instruction. What stuck out to me was the study of the 12 twice exceptional students and the greatest help to them was maternal support at home...good to know as a mom.
ReplyDeleteI think back over the years and all the kids I have come in contact with.....wow, so many of them fit this category. Technology gives these kids the tools that struggle to show all they know. MR
ReplyDeleteMost of the students I have come in contact with that are twice exceptional have developed the greatest coping skills in order to overcome their weakness. Most times they have created these shortcuts because their giftedness has allowed them to see the requirement in a different light and problem solve without realizing it. It is amazing to see it in action and all efforts should be supported by teachers. My role is to assist and encourage.
ReplyDeleteI found this article to be an excellent reminder to look beyond the obvious disabilitiy. To be reminded to continue to look for that method that will work to bring out the strengths and talents that the individual.student has. I have had legally blind students in my classes before and it is so amazing to see all of accomplishments they can achieve. DM
ReplyDeleteI think as with all students in our classrooms, the first step to motivating and teaching these twice exceptional students is identifying them and their learning needs. We already do so much to help the students in our classrooms such as small group instruction, constant skill assessments, etc. I think adding such great technology will only continue to enrich their learning. I reviewed some of the apps and I thought I might be able to try tap to talk, act spell, or I speech in my class.
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ReplyDeleteWow, what an interesting video that really makes you think. Just watched the misdiagnosis of a gifted child. Thinking of all the kids out there who are misdiagnosed and put on medication so quickly because there doesn't seem to be any other answers or because it is easier to deal with their differences. It is so important to meet the needs of all the different students in a classroom, yet seems quite impossible to do so at the same time. I remember many years ago when students in my other district were pulled out during the week for an hour to receive gt services from the gt teacher at the same school. Those programs were later cut, but there may have been something to them. I know teachers do the best they can to meet the needs of their students. Technology will certainly help with this issue.
ReplyDeleteI have experienced the twice-exceptional learners with ADHD and autism along with levels of GT a several times in my classroom. But this also reminds me of many of us, where we are strong in one area nad struggle in others. I think using technology is a simple way to motivate students to work hard in many areas, whether it be the area they struggle in or the other. When these students feel that they are isolated because of their disablities, they tend to hide. Having different forms of support through technolgy makes them feel less different. It might be as simple as taking notes on a computer or having something read to them from the computer, they are getting their needs met.These are a couple of the ways I plan to meet these students' needs. KE
ReplyDeleteMRid- The term "twice- exceptional" was new to me when reading this article, but the concept is all too familiar. I can think of specific learners in my classroom that have struggled with learning difficulties, yet also have shown signs of giftedness. It is all too common for us as educators to be stuck in the notion that kids that have learning disabilities, certainly cannot be gifted. We need to squash this stereotype. I definitely see how technology could provide another outlet for these types of learners. On top of everything that we are already doing ( pulling small groups daily, differentiating learning, etc.. ) technology only adds to enrich our curriculum and meet the needs of these special learners.
ReplyDeleteAs teachers of students with all different strengths and needs we have to be able to look past a child's disability to see the giftedness that may also be present. This article made me think of many different students that I have taught in the past who might have been labeled as special Ed, but were incredibly gifted in other areas. Technology is a great medium for helping these children demonstrate their strengths in other ways. We have to be able to differentiate our instruction everyday to meet the needs of all of our students...technology helps a lot with this differentiation. Mr1
ReplyDeleteI am familiar that children with learning disabilities can also be gifted, but the term "twice exceptional" is new to me. We as teachers need to look past the learning disability and provide outlets for these children. Technology is a great way to the classroom is a great way to support and enrich these types of learners. MH
ReplyDeleteLK- When I taught fourth grade at Spring Branch Elementary I had a student with muscular dystrophy who was confined to a wheel chair. He was extremely bright although not identified as GT. Since he was so smart, he spent the entire day in my classroom. He had a very difficult time writing... not coming up with what to write, but the act of writing. How different things would have been for him had the technology available today would have been around in 1994!
ReplyDeleteRR. Excellent information, the 2E kid can benefit greatly from today's technology. Dragon dictation is an excellent way for the 2e kid with dyslexia or dysgraphia to write essays. These super apps are also good for Students who are not gifted. I am reminded that good teaching,best practices and diversity are good for all our kids.
ReplyDelete(MMS) I have a step son who is twice exceptonal although I had never heard it called that before. I certainly know what a challenge these children can be but it is our job as educators to find their passions and strenghts and help them to be be successful. Otherwise the child will constantly focus on what he can not do and their gifts can be overlooked because of thier behavior. I am greatful that we do have so many technology resources in our classroom. Before the other children would complain that it was not fair that "Billy" was always on the computer and it it difficult to explain to a 2nd grader that his needs require him to learn more from technology than a typical student. The dragon dictation is an amazing app that could really prevent a ld student from falling so far behind his peers. I do worry about some of our kids using this app as an easy way out of writing and typing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karen--all of us have areas in which we excel as well as areas of weakness. The definition, "...used to describe children 'with special intellectual-processing problems [i.e., those with learning, communication, and/or behavioral disabilities], that nevertheless, maintain an extraordinary high general intellectual potential" is broad, needless to say; however, the main point of the article is to point out that one should not over look a child's strength, or strengths, due to a disability. This hits home as it is an issue I've dealt with concerning my son. In third grade, he was labeled emotionally disturbed and put in SPED. Soon after, he was diagnosed with dyslexia. It was easy to see a connection between the two conditions. Further testing showed that while he functioned on an eighth grade level in mathematical and logical reasoning, he functioned on a first grade level in reading. Imagine his frustration...no wonder he started acting out in class. He was smart enough to realize that he couldn't read as well as others in his class. In fifth grade, his gap in reading closed, although he will always have problems with grammar and spelling. Word processing and spell check have helped a lot! In sixth grade, he was exited from SPED and has done fairly well in school since then. He graduated last year from high school with 30 college credits! This personal experience has helped me gain perspective and has greatly altered my attitude about teaching. Before it was easy to see a child's education in the narrow aspect of one school year; however, this article is a good reminder to try to capitalize on children's strengths in and outside of the classroom setting.
ReplyDeleteKC- Stephen Hawking is a perfect example of a person who fits this category. This article made me start wondering how many GT students go unidentified because they aren’t able to overcome their disability. Could that be a problem with the current testing/identification in SBISD? Ideas that I have used in my own class like those outlined on page 28 are using higher –level books on tape, copying notes for struggling writers, encouraging the use of pictures instead of words in the side margins when taking notes, and I love making up mnemonics, pictures relationships and rhymes for memory retention. I thought the suggestion on page 30 for teachers to “overtly teach compensating and coping strategies” will not just help talented students with learning disabilities but will help ALL students in the classroom!
ReplyDeleteJL - The arts provide such a wide range of possibilities for most students, but above all for the twice exceptional student. Because SBISD supports the arts so heavily, the teachers with many opportunities to explore technology through all learning levels. Just when I am stumped with the motor skills of this exceptional skill, discovering other areas in which they can shine is wonderful. This article was very informative as I was able to "slot" some of my past students into categories and separate the reasons for their talents. (or what at time I thought the lack of not much). Shame on me.
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