Introduction
Students who are advanced in some learning areas and challenged in others (or, "twice-exceptional/2E") have a unique profile of significant strengths and weaknesses. They may have behavior issues. Sometimes they may have an IEP (Individual Education Plan). Some examples of learning area challenges:
- Students with behavioral challenges such as difficulty focusing, self control issues, and defiance of classroom rules and procedures.
- Students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or visual or auditory processing difficulties.
- Limited English Proficient Students are often enrolled in READ 180 or System 44 to help support their acquisition of English, but may be advanced in math.
If a 2e student is advanced in one subject area, he/she can be considered ALPS in a single subject. Doing this may help them work within their strength area and may motivate them to persevere in their areas of challenge.
Twice-Exceptional Frequently Asked Questions
Who are 2E students?
- Recognized as gifted or highly able. They have outstanding thinking, academic, and/or artistic talents. May be identified with a learning disability and receiving special education services. They may have poor reading, writing, and/or math skills.
- Bright students who are struggling in school and not reaching their potential.
- To help you determine if your child may be 2E, see "Characteristics of 2E Students."
How are 2E students first recognized?
- When educators and parents are aware of 2E characteristics and recognize the pattern of strengths and weaknesses within the student.
- School teams begin problem-solving using Student Success Team (SST) guidelines. They make recommendations and document the student's response to interventions and supports.
What do these students need?
- Challenging instruction in their areas of strength
- Instruction to improve the areas of weakness
- Individualized accomodations
- Case management and social/emotional support
What is SST Consultation?
- Consultation provides school staff with recommendations and strategies to support and challenge the students in the local school.
- School staff can request consultation for individual students.
- If parents feel this support is needed, they can contact their school ALPS Liaison, who will submit a 2E Consultation Request Form.
Dan Peters Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, is Co-founder and Clinical Director of the Summit Center, specializing in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families, with a special emphasis on gifted children and their families.
ALPS is thrilled that Dr. Dan has agreed to provide families with answers about their gifted children in our tri-annual newsletter. Each issue, you can look forward to reading answers to questions provided by our NVUSD families.
Please send any questions for Dr. Dan to kcliff@nvusd.k12.ca.us and we will publish answers in our upcoming issues.
