What happens when gifted kids coast through school?

Not much good comes from this alarming pattern

Your super smart, inquisitive, intense gifted child had a passion for learning that was astonishing. They dove into whatever new interest consumed them and barely came up for air.

Then, school happened.

Image: Pexels/Anastasia Shureva

How do easy A's, limited academic enrichment, and hours of boredom affect gifted children? Some of us have seen the impact and have lived it with our children. We witness their disengagement, their loss of interest, their minimal effort, and watch helplessly as their drive for learning seems to vanish. 

According to Jim Delisle, many gifted children are selective consumers who choose academic interests like it’s a Sunday buffet. If they don’t like the teacher or the topic, they don't bother to apply their abilities. Others are underachievers under-the-radar, a term I coined to describe gifted kids with reasonably good grades who keep out of trouble and "look" successful. Teachers may assume their grades reflect effort, when in fact, these students cut corners and feel relieved about easily coasting through school without repercussions.

Of course, we know what happens to these kids. They eventually hit a wall when classwork gets harder or a boss takes them to task. By the time reality sets in, they are woefully unprepared to manage the challenge of demanding work. They often struggle with executive functioning skills (such as organization, time management, or study skills) and their self-confidence takes a hit when they realize they need help or tutoring or time management support.

Asking for help is anathema to them; they cannot imagine reaching out for support and feel shame about their struggles. Many retreat, drop that tough college class, or leave a job that is too challenging.

And parents worry about these kids.

Results from an online survey I conducted with 428 parents of gifted children highlighted some of the parents’ worries. Many worried "a lot" or "always" about 1. whether their child would receive a meaningful education (60.2%), 2. the impact of boredom and disengagement (59.1%), and 3. the limited opportunities available that would provide a challenge (41.1%). (See the graph below.)

What can parents and teachers do to support disengaged students (other than worry about them)? 

The answers may seem obvious but bear repeating:

1. Ensure that a challenging academic environment is provided for all children (including gifted or twice-exceptional children) so that each child can learn in a manner consistent with their abilities. This, of course, assumes that school districts will invest in gifted programming and support teachers who require additional education about giftedness — something often lacking in their basic training. It also requires a philosophical shift where the needs of gifted children are taken seriously.

2. Advocate for the necessity of gifted services within your school district and your State or Province. This includes arbitrary policy limitations districts impose regarding what they consider gifted education. When schools, for example, claim that gifted education does not start until third grade, or that gifted education is reduced to a one-hour pull-out class, it often falls on parents to challenge these rules. 

3. Insist on universal screening, which is more likely to identify gifted students who "don't look gifted."  Those most likely to be ignored include persons of color, students from impoverished backgrounds, rural residents, English Language Learners, or those with a competing twice-exceptional condition such as a learning disability that masks their giftedness. 

4. Consider cost-effective options that support the needs of gifted chidlren, such as subject or grade acceleration, early kindergarten entry, ability grouping, or clustering gifted and highly able students together within classrooms. A commentary pointing to the drawbacks of lax grading policies is one of many examples that highlight how low expectations impact these children. Any policy that devalues the gifted student’s very real academic needs or disincentivizes effort will contribute to even greater disengagement.

5. Insist that your child pursue educational options that will support their love of learning and push them to expend effort and challenge themselves. These might include strategies for engaging their intrinsic motivation, participation in challenging extra-curricular activities or honors and AP classes, and opportunities for building resilience and executive functioning skills.

6. Pay close attention to the child's moods. Any signs of disengagement or hopelessness must be taken seriously. Disinterest in previously enjoyable activities, withdrawal from friends, irritability, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns can alert you to the need for additional intervention. Enlist the school’s resources or a licensed mental health professional for support. 

Both parents and teachers already juggle a lot and may overlook the gifted child’s needs. Gifted children can easily coast through school and remain below the radar; the insidious effects of their disengagement ignored. It falls upon both parents and schools to take this seriously and ensure that gifted children receive the challenging education they need and deserve.

A similar article was originally posted on Gifted Challenges on June 7, 2023.

Disclaimer: Please note that my articles are for informational purposes only and are not to be taken as mental health or medical advice. If you are in need of personal guidance, please reach out to mental health professionals in your community.