A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

NEW LOOK AT GIFTED FIRST AMERICANS

Gifted and talented programs dramatically underserve American Indians and Alaska Natives, partly because educators have difficulty recognizing the diversity and unique characteristics of these populations.

This is one of a number of conclusions presented in a new OERI report. Identifying Outstanding Talent in American Indian and Alaska Native Students reviews and synthesizes the most promising practices used to identify talented Native students. It also suggests areas where educators must do additional research before determining appropriate methods for identifying these students and meeting their needs. The report explores issues of diversity, cultural assimilation and accommodation, testing biases, and the selection of appropriate assessment tools.

According to the report, for educators to identify talented Native students effectively, they must recognize the following diversity factors:

Geographic location;
Tribal differences, languages, and cultures;
Schools attended;
School versus tribal giftedness;
Socioeconomic conditions;
Talent development by tribes, families, and elders; and
Individual student differences.

The report outlines 8 principles of identification and 10 recommendations based on the recognition that American Indian and Alaska Native students have potential talents across all domains of performance. The project received guidance from an American Indian and Alaska Native steering group.

Copies of Identifying Outstanding Talent in American Indian and Alaska Native Students are available from GPO (stock number 065-000-00642-1, $5.50). Use order blank on page 11.

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