Here's a statement that might seem the epitome of paradox: Underachievement has little to do with curriculum. Sure, curriculum is the stuff of school, the glue that bonds together one grade level to the next, but when it comes to the so-called underachiever's unwillingness to complete schoolwork and assignments, there is something far greater at…

Giftedness is like a rose that grows tall and beautiful above all other flowers. If it is properly nourished and provided fertile opportunity, there appears to be no limit to accomplishment. Gifted children are born into and nurtured by all races, cultures, and socioeconomic classes. However, many groups and individuals, particularly those who…

Many gifted children and teens live with the same sorts of family factors that place the general population at risk. These include chronic illness, substance abuse, significant academic underachievement of parents/guardians, low socioeconomic status, teen pregnancy, and teen parenthood. Another predictor of risk for gifted kids may be the…

This discussion of exceptionally and profoundly gifted students suggests that these students have special needs that are often not being met. It distinguishes five levels of giftedness and identifies developmental differences in extremely gifted children. It suggests that radical acceleration is often an appropriate placement that may reverse…

Discussion of the affective development of gifted students who are underachieving considers external stresses including a feeling of invisibility and mixed messages from the environment, internal stresses such as self-image, unrealistic self-expectations, and the possible co-existence of a learning disability. (DB)

Children who live in poverty are frequently at risk for underachievement. This is not to say that poverty automatically causes lack of achievement, but being poor can certainly take its toll. Gifted low income students can be compared to diamonds, which can only be formed under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. Both diamonds and…

Student motivation is highly influenced by the general context in which the student lives, ranging from the norms and influences of the culture at large to the experiences within the family. For students who have high interest and passion on a selected task, motivation seems to be a very internal process. Without effort, the student persists in…

This article describes a pilot program, initiated in 1999 by Smoky Hill High School in Colorado, to help gifted students overcome barriers to their success. The program addresses issues in all components or subsystems of a person's life: emotional/psychological, mental/intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, and family. Tips for parents are…

This document consists of six issues (all of volume 2) of a newsletter subtitled "Dedicated to Helping Gifted Children Reach their Full Potential". These issues deal with all aspects of parenting and educating gifted children. Major articles include: "Re-examining the Concept of Underachievement" (Joanne Rand Whitmore);…

This document consists of six issues of a newsletter subtitled "Dedicated to Helping Gifted Children Reach their Full Potential." These issues focus on personality types, program administration, creativity, counseling, the arts, and cultural diversity. Feature articles have the following titles and authors: "A World of Difference: Children and…