The gifted and talented children are those identified by professionally qualified persons who by virtue of outstanding abilities are capable of high performance. They are the pupils who deploy patterns of learning strengths, preferences and abilities in one or more areas including those with abilities beyond the majority of their peer group.

     While it is believed that all children have special gifts and talents that the nation should value and promote, somehow gifted children do demonstrate exceptional strengths and because of this, they should have a curriculum which meet their needs. These children require differentiated educational programs beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to realize their contribution to self and society.

     Schools are encouraged to recognize the extent and the pool of individuals with above average ability and talent and at the same time recognize that ability and talent may change overtime. With the gifted program or specialized education for the gifted, it can be assured that the appropriate challenge, support and motivation will maximize the potential of those children. Gifted children need opportunities to be created for them to enable them to flourish, especially those whose potential to excel has not been recognized yet.

     It has been said that today’s gifted children are tomorrow’s social, intellectual, economic and cultural leaders and their development cannot be left to chance. This is the main reason to have special education for these children who show potential of achieving so much more with proper guidance and an educational system that serves them.

By: ELLONAIZA C. SANTOS | T-I | Antonio G. Llamas Elementary School Mariveles , Bataan