Glossary of Terms

abilities tests – tests that measure the ability level of a child. Examples of Abilities Tests are the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). ability grouping – placement of students according to similar levels of achievement in some skill; homogeneous grouping achievement tests – instruments that measure what a child knows academically and what he/she can do academically. Examples: Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Advanced Placement Program– a program of college level courses taught by high school (AP) teachers; most colleages give credit, advanced placement, or both for these courses upon successful completion of the AP exam. cluster grouping – assigning several identified gifted students in the same classroom. Clustering gifted students in the regular classroom allows the teacher to differentiate learning activities for a group of identified students. compacting – assessing students before beginning a unit of study or development of a skill. Teachers document (1) what the student already knows (and evidence for that conclusion), (2) what the preassessment indicates the student does not know about the topic or skill (and plans for how the student will learn those things), and (3) a plan for meaningful and challenging use of time the student will “buy” because she already knows much of the topic or skill. concurrent enrollment – students at any grade level take classes at the next school level. For example, high school students take a college course and receive college and high school credit. convergent thinking – focusing on one particular answer. cooperative learning – a set of instructional methods in which students work in small groups to contribute to the problem under study. To make cooperative learning effective for the gifted, ability and interest must be considered in establishing such groups. differentiation – accommodating curriculum and/or instruction to match the academic level or need of the learner. distance learning – classes offered via satellite or the Internet. divergent thinking – coming up with many solutions or ideas about something. enrichment - covering a subject in greater depth than is usual, or tackling subjects not usually covered. flexible pacing – placing a student at an appropriate instructional level and allowing him to move forward in the curriculum as mastery of content and skills is achieved. grade skipping – advancing or accelerating gifted and talented students through grades ahead of the usual age or date. heterogenous group – placing students of all abilities or achievement levels in a class. higher level thinking – emphasizing tasks and activities that involve analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. homogeneous group – placing students with similar abilities or achievement levels in a class. honors program – courses offered in junior and/or senior high schools for high achievers. independent study – a self-directed style of learning. Independent study is usually under the direction of a teacher; however, the role of the teacher is limited. intelligence quotient – the ratio of mental age to chronological age. mentor – matching a student with a specific person (teacher, parent or older student) who can provide expertise and/or advice in a field of study or community endeavor. underachiever – a child whose school work is not consistent with the estimate of his ability to learn.