Twice Exceptional
The term twice exceptional describes students who have a disability and who also have characteristics and traits associated with giftedness. Recognizing these students may be challenging, as the disability may overshadow the gift, the gift may mask the effect of the disability, or both remedial and advanced learning needs may go completely unnoticed.
Twice Exceptional Resources
The following are some resources and strategies for serving twice-exceptional students.
Beast Academy is the elementary school math program created by Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), a global leader in advanced K–12 math education. AoPS trains the intellectual leaders of the next generation by preparing motivated students for college and career success.
At Beast Academy, we believe in teaching advanced math concepts early, so students build a problem solving foundation for more advanced math and science classes in the years to come.
The Belin-Blank Center creates opportunities for equitable talent development.
CHADD empowers people affected by ADHD by:
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providing evidence-based information;
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supporting individuals, their families, and professionals who assist them throughout their journeys; and
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advocating for equity, inclusion, and universal rights.
Common pedagogical practices that benefit all students may be crucial for those who are cognitively gifted and have a form of neurodivergence.
National Association for Gifted Children
NAGC is the nation's leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to ensure all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.
​Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education
is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to helping gifted learners, parents and educators.
SENG Journal: Exploring the Psychology of Giftedness is the official scholarly publication of the SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) organization. Designed to complement other SENG resources, the journal publishes empirical articles, reviews of research, theoretical explorations, and interviews with thought leaders and experts about the psychology of gifted individuals of all ages.
Strategies for Supporting Students Who Are Twice-Exceptional
Written by Janet Josephson, Charlton Wolfgang, and Rich Mehrenberg
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Educators are addressing learning gaps and shifting expectations daily. Consideration of providing material that is appropriate in content and grade level for every child is a top priority, along with a long list of other high priorities. Typical classrooms finding it a challenge to meet students where they are, which has historically been the challenge of special education. This responsibility may mean finding age appropriate and skill appropriate content where instruction must be reviewed with an eye toward every child’s special needs.
Transition IEPs
Beginning at age 14, the IEP for students with disabilities should address the academic, living, and working transition goals and needs. The following resources are available to assist parents with the IEP transition needs.
AIR has created a tip sheet for things to consider on the IEP to address transition needs.
PaTTAN has developed a lot of resources to assist students, families, and teachers in the successful transition of students with disabilities. Consultants at PaTTAN created a padlet of Virtual Secondary Transition Resources.
VCU-DRRP developed a great side-by-side reference which explains the differences between supported and customized employment.
Post-Secondary Education
Many students with disabilities have a goal of attending post-secondary schools. This section provides information that may be helpful for post-secondary plans.
The US Department of Education created the following documents to provide information:
- a guide for high school teachers on transition of students with disabilities to post-secondary education
- a list of example auxiliary aids or accommodations which might be appropriate in post-secondary education