Academically & Intelligently Gifted
"Academically and Intellectually Gifted" (AIG) refers to students who demonstrate exceptional abilities or potential in academic and intellectual pursuits, often significantly above their peers. These students typically excel in areas such as problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and subject-specific knowledge.
Key Aspects of Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Students:
1. Identification:
- AIG students are usually identified through a combination of standardized tests, teacher recommendations, academic performance, and sometimes IQ tests.
- The identification process varies by school district and can include multiple criteria to ensure that diverse talents and abilities are recognized.
2. Characteristics:
- Advanced Learning Ability: AIG students often grasp concepts quickly and show a deep understanding of complex material.
- Curiosity: They typically exhibit a strong desire to learn and explore new ideas and often ask probing questions.
- Creativity: Many AIG students demonstrate creative thinking, approaching problems in innovative ways.
- Motivation: They are often highly motivated in areas of interest, showing persistence and a passion for learning.
3. Educational Programs:
- Acceleration: This involves allowing AIG students to move through the curriculum at a faster pace than their peers, such as skipping grades or taking advanced courses.
- Enrichment: Programs that provide additional, more complex, or in-depth learning opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
- Specialized Classes: Some schools offer specialized classes or programs for AIG students, focusing on advanced content or interdisciplinary studies.
- Differentiation: Teachers may differentiate instruction within the regular classroom by providing more challenging materials or assignments tailored to the AIG student’s level.
4. Social and Emotional Needs:
- AIG students can sometimes face social and emotional challenges, such as feeling isolated from peers, dealing with perfectionism, or managing expectations.
- Schools may offer counseling or peer support groups to help AIG students navigate these challenges and foster well-rounded development.
5. Diverse Representation:
- Efforts are made to ensure that AIG programs are inclusive and recognize giftedness in students from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups or non-traditional learners.
6. Parental Involvement:
- Parents of AIG students often play an active role in advocating for appropriate educational opportunities and support for their child’s unique needs.
Goals of AIG Programs:
The primary goal of AIG programs is to provide these students with opportunities to fully develop their abilities, fostering both intellectual growth and personal development. Programs aim to challenge AIG students while also addressing their specific needs, ensuring they remain engaged and motivated in their education.
Overall, AIG programs seek to nurture and cultivate the talents of academically and intellectually gifted students, preparing them for future academic success and leadership roles.
NC State Definition of AIG Students
Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) students perform or show the potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experiences or environment. Academically or Intellectually Gifted students exhibit high-performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both the intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically or Intellectually Gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Article 9B (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5)