Myth #1: Students who are gifted can make it on their own. They can succeed without help.
Fact: Students who are gifted do not automatically succeed if proper instruction and counseling do not occur. Studies have shown that as many as fifteen to thirty percent of high school dropouts are gifted and talented. Students who are gifted are “at risk” in other areas as well. They are at risk for underachievement during the educational years and on their jobs during their adult years. And, what may be the most shocking, students who are gifted are at risk for depression and suicide. Students who are gifted will not always succeed without help.
Myth #2: Students who are gifted are not aware of being different unless someone tells them they are.
Fact: Students who are gifted are aware of being different and need to understand their unique abilities. They may think in complex terms for their age and wonder why their peers do not have the same thoughts. If their exceptionality is not understood, they may consider themselves to be strange or weird. This perception of being different can lead to counseling needs.
Myth #3: Students who are gifted should get all ” A’s” on their report cards.
Fact: Students who are gifted have strengths and weaknesses just like everyone else. Their giftedness may be in math and not in language arts or vice versa. Too often students who are gifted have been conditioned to feel they must be perfect. This over-concern with perfection can create many problems. One of the problems is a reluctance to take risks. Fear of failure may prevent these children from trying new thing or risking being unsuccessful in a new situation.
* “Common Misconceptions” taken from: Educating Students Who are Gifted in Florida’s Schools,Florida Department of Education