underachievers_checklist

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Checklist to Identify Gifted Underachievers

Observe and interact with the child over a period of at least two weeks to determine if he or she possesses the following characteristics. If the student exhibits 10 or more of the listed traits, including all that are asterisked, individual intelligence testing (Stanford-Binet or WISC-R) is recommended to establish whether he or she is a gifted underachiever (Davis, Rimm, & Siegle, 2011, p. 294).

*poor test performance *achieving at or below grade level expectations in one or all of the basic skill areas: __ reading, language arts, mathematics *daily work frequently incomplete or poorly done *superior comprehension and retention of concepts when interests *vast gap between qualitative level or oral and written work exceptionally large repertoire of factual knowledge vitality of imagination, creative persistent dissatisfaction with work accomplished, even in art seems to avoid trying new activities to prevent imperfect performance; evidences perfectionism, self-criticism shows initiative in pursuing self-selected projects at home *has a wide range of interests and possibly special expertise in an area of investigation and research does not function comfortably or constructively in a group of any size shows acute sensitivity and perceptions related to self, others, and life in general tends to set unrealistic self-expectations; goals too high or too low dislikes practice work or drill for memorization and mastery easily distracted, unable to focus attention and concentrate efforts on tasks has in indifferent or negative attitude toward school resists teacher efforts to motivate or discipline behavior in class has difficulty in peer relationships; maintains few friendships Note: This list was originally found in Joanne Whitmore’s book, //Giftedness, Conflict, and Underachievement// (1980).

References: Davis, G.A., Rimm, S. B., Siegle, D. (2011). // Education of the Gifted and Talented // (6th Edition). New York: Prentice Hall.