Type IV: The Dropouts
These gifted students are often not identified until high school. By that point, they have become angry and bitter with the system that has failed to meet their needs. School has become irrelevant to them, and they often have interests outside of the standard school curriculum.
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Type IV students likely will need the support of family and individual counseling and diagnostic testing. These students may struggle with low self-esteem and will need a trusted adult to guide them.
Profile
Information for this profile comes from the matrix developed by Betts & Neihart.
Feelings & Attitudes
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Resentment
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Angry
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Depressed
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Explosive
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Poor self-concept
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Defensive
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Burn-out
Behaviors
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Has intermittent attendance
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Doesn't complete tasks
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Pursues outside interests
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"Spaced out" in class
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Is self-abusive
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Isolates self
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Is creative
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Criticizes self and others
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Does inconsistent work
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Is disruptive, acts out
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Seems average or below
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Is defensive
Needs
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An individualized program
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Intense support
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Alternatives (separate, new opportunities)
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Counseling (individual, group, and family)
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Remedial help with skills
Adults & Peers Perceptions of Type
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Adults are angry with them
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Peers are judgmental
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Seen as loners, dropouts, dopers, or air heads
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Reject them and ridicule
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Seen as dangerous and rebellious
Identification
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Review cumulative folder
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Interview earlier teachers
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Discrepancy between IQ and demonstrated achievement
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Incongruities and inconsistencies in performance
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Creativity testing
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Gifted peer recommendation
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Demonstrated performance in non-school areas
Home Support
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Seek counseling for family
School Support
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Diagnostic testing
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Group counseling for young students
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Nontraditional study skills
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In-depth studies
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Mentorships
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Alternative out of classroom learning experiences
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GED