Gifted Underachievement
GATCA Resource Underachievement
For information about how parents prevent/reverse gifted underachievement contact: krissmuskett@gmail.com or 0402090621
There have been 2 Senate inquires into gifted education in Australia,1988 and then again in 2001
Senate Inquiry 1988
The Senate Inquiry into Gifted Education 2001
The 2001 Senate Inquiry into Gifted Education found:
In evidence all types of interest groups agreed that there is a problem with education of gifted children. These children have special needs in the education system; for many their needs are not being met; and many suffer underachievement, boredom, frustration and psychological distress as a result.
The report also noted that tefound that in most states of Australia little to no access to pre-service training in gifted education was available, particularly at undergraduate levelachers need training to identify and provide for gifted children.
Despite 2 Senate inquires research reveals that in most states of Australia little to no access to pre-service training in gifted education is available. With minimal exposure and training in the specialised area of gifted andtalented education, graduating teachers are perpetuating the misconceptions and myths held about gifted and talented students that, in turn does a grave disservice to both the gifted and talented student and the regular classroom teacher, who is expected to cater for them and maximise their outcomes.
There are also a significant number of causes outside of the school setting that can lead to high ability students not realising their full potential
Lesley Sword an Australian psychologist notes:
The primary factor for chronic underachievement in gifted students appears to be a lack of recognition and support for intellectual potential during the early school years. When highly intelligent children are not challenged academically at an early age, they find the work too easy, become bored, develop poor work habits and often have negative feelings towards school.
Linda Silverman notes gifted children may also be disadvantaged socially:
Many gifted children receive a good foundation for self-esteem within their families. Then something happens: they meet other children. By the age of five or six, openness and confidence are frequently replaced with self-doubt and layers of protective defenses. Being different is a problem in childhood.
Dr Sally Reis notes
Having parents who understand some of the research, who can find strategies that work, and who can use the resources and research cited in this article can aid to challenge and engage their gifted students.
Parents have the greatest influence on the achievement of young people through
supporting their learning in the home rather than supporting activities in the school. It
is their support of learning within the home environment that makes the maximum
difference to achievement.