The following is being provided as a simple guideline to help understand the difference between

the “High

Achiever” and the “Gifted Learner”. Each Highly Capable student has his/her own

talents and abilities and can possess characteristics in both categories.

HIGH ACHIEVER VERSUS GIFTED LEARNER

A HIGH ACHIEVER

A GIFTED LEARNER

Remembers the answers

Poses unforeseen questions

Is interested

Is curious

Is attentive

Is selectively mentally engaged

Generates advanced ideas

Generates complex, abstract ideas

Works hard to achieve

Knows without working hard

Answers the questions in detail

Ponders with depth and multiple perspectives

Performs at the top of the group

Is beyond the group

Responds with interest and opinions

Exhibits feelings and opinions from multiple

perspectives

Learns with ease

Already knows

Needs 6 to 8 repetitions to master

Needs 1 to 3 repetitions to master

Comprehends at a high level

Comprehends in-depth, complex ideas

Enjoys the company of age peers

Prefers the company of intellectual peers

Understands complex, abstract humor

Creates complex, abstract humor

Grasps the meaning

Infers and connects concepts

Completes assignments on time

Initiates projects and extensions of

assignments

Is receptive

Is intense

Is accurate and complete

Is original and continually developing

Enjoys school often

Enjoys self-directed learning

Absorbs information

Manipulates information

Is a technician with expertise in a field

Is an expert, abstracts beyond the field

Memorizes well

Guesses and infers well

Is highly alert and observant

Anticipates and relates observations

Is pleased with own learning

Is self-critical

Gets A’s

May not be motivated by grades

Is able

Is intellectual

The “High Achiever” child can fit in a regular classroom setting very successfully and

comfortably. The characteristics listed for the

“Gifted Learner” better reflect students in the

Highly Capable Program.