In school is gifted and talented the same thing as advanced?

Question

Today I got a letter offering me into the gifted and talented program for math/language arts. However there are also advanced classes at my school. So which one is better?

Answer 1

It's hard to say what your particular school district's policy is on this, however, I can make a somewhat educated guess.  Advanced coursework is used for students that consistently perform well in standard curriculum, and are willing to take "harder" courses (for a resumé, bragging rights, or just for a better educational experience).  These courses are still subject to curriculum guidelines set by local/state/federal mandates.

Gifted/Talented education, however, usually requires testing.  I myself was a G/T student in elementary school, and was given an assessment (although I could not tell you the specific test/s).  While the criteria for being considered G/T in each school district may differ, there are some general guidelines that govern it.

G/T is considered to be under the purview of "Special Education," in that it tends to the needs of "Exceptional Children."  This means, students that do not fit into the "average" category.  While we often associate Spec Ed with children that are below average, it is important that we not forget the above average students as well.  To be diagnosed with Mental Retardation (cognitive disability), for example, one must test two standard deviations below the mean in intelligence (cognitive functioning), and show impairments in adaptive behavior.  For example, a child with an IQ score below 70 (plus or minus, depending on the area/district), and difficulty in performing self-care tasks or forming social relationships could be potentially categorized under this disability.  However, students that perform two standard deviations above the average (plus or minus 130 IQ score), and show advanced adaptive behaviors/social skills could be categorized in G/T.

Your particular gift/talent in mathematics and language shows one type of G/T classification - Specific aptitudes.  Some schools also have "general gifted/talented" curriculum, which applies to all areas as well.  You likely perform better than 99% of your classmates in these areas, and were referred by your teacher/s for this program.  While I can't say which is better, it is "tougher" to enter G/T curriculum than "advanced" coursework, on average.  Ask your school what the differences are in the curriculum, they'll likely be delighted that you are taking such an interest in your education.  I hope this helps you, and good luck/congratulations on your achievements.

Answer 2

in some its 1, in others its the other. talk 2 a teachher or the scosial worker or the gifted coordinator.

in my school we have only a gifted class & regular in la, science, and ss. in mathe we have gifted, accselerated, and regular. in our school gifted means 2 or more years ahead, advanced or accselerated means 1 year. Its more likely gifted/talented is higher

Answer 3

I would say advanced classes are better because they'll prepare you for high school and eventually college. Also, advanced classes give you bonus points and increase your GPA. Gifted people simply learn in a different way from regular courses...

Answer 4

Gifted and talented... the only thing better than that is AP (classes that offer a chance to take a AP test for college credit) which aren't available until typically the last two years of high school.

Go for the Gifted and Talented program!