Attitudes Toward Gifted

Attitudes toward gifted describes the perception of the world toward individuals identified as gifted. Research studies have identified that the attitudes of peers, parents, teachers, and the gifted themselves play an important role in the social and emotional development of gifted students. It was noted by Barbara Clarke that attitudes within society, and specifically within the educational community, are a prime force in furthering or denying educational opportunities for our gifted children. Research points to a few common factors that might affect attitudes toward gifted—self-perception of the gifted, contact with gifted persons, level of education, training and knowledge about giftedness, gender, and occupation as a teacher.