Kia ora and welcome
Kia ora and welcome to the parents and whānau page of TKI's gifted and talented community. We update this page regularly with information and materials relevant to parents and whānau of gifted and talented children and young people.
There are links to many quality-assured materials in this community. Browse the material using the buttons on the right-hand side of the page.
Who are gifted and talented learners?
Gifted and talented learners are a special group of children who have exceptional ability in one or more areas of their lives. These areas can include intellectual pursuits, technical competence, creativity, leadership and social skills, physical performance, cultural understanding and practices, and the visual or performing arts.
Gifted and talented children used to be identified only as those with a high IQ, but now we know that gifts and talents come in many different forms. Some children may have a gift or talent in one area, while other children may show exceptional ability across several areas. Gifted and talented students have learning needs that are different from those of other children. The special talents of these children need to be recognised early, so they can be helped to reach their potential. These children may also need extra emotional and social support.
Government initiatives
The Government recognises that, like all learners, gifted and talented students need appropriate educational opportunities. This recognition is consistent with the Government's ongoing commitment to developing human capability. The learning of all of our children needs to be well supported if New Zealand as a country, and New Zealanders as individuals, are to flourish economically, culturally, and socially.
In 2001, the Working Party on Gifted Education submitted its report to Hon. Trevor Mallard, giving advice on the development of policy for gifted education. The 2002 Ministry of Education publication Initiatives for Gifted and Talented Learners addressed the recommendations of the working party. The initiatives also made provision for Ministry of Education contact people in regional and local offices. Their role is to provide information and support to parents and caregivers.
The Government's current initiatives that support the education of gifted and talented learners include the following:
- 2008: Publication: Nurturing Gifted and Talented Children – A Parent–Teacher Partnership.
- 2006: First Ministry of Education-supported national gifted and talented conference: Rising Tides – Nurturing our Gifted Culture.
- 2004: Research on existing provision for gifted and talented learners.
- 2003: Clear identification in the education regulations (National Administration Guidelines – NAGs) of gifted and talented students as a group who require identification and special provision.
- 2003: Professional development initiatives including advisory support for schools.
- 2003: Contestable funding pool for innovative programmes targeted at gifted and talented learners.
- 2000: Handbook for schools: Gifted and Talented Students: Meeting Their Needs in New Zealand Schools.
- Local Ministry of Education points of contact.
- Gifted Education Advisory Committee.
For details on these initiatives see Initiatives for Gifted and Talented Learners.
Reference details:
Ministry of Education. (2000). Gifted and talented students: Meeting their needs in New Zealand schools. Wellington: Learning Media Ltd.
Printed copies of this publication can be purchased from Wickliffe Limited, phone 0800 660 662, or fax 0800 660 663.