This essay focuses on opportunities to be able to learn. specific academic areas like language or mathematics. These

opportunities to be able to learn

. The students in the gifted and talented/advanced classes are the talented ones. YES, but also, not entirely. Advanced level or “accelerated” classes in school meet the needs of students with talents in specific academic areas like language or mathematics. These students have had opportunities to express and develop their talents beyond their age and grade level. These advanced classes are necessary for them to continue to develop their talents.

It’s only fair that they have these opportunities to be able to learn at their depth and pace. But don’t have the mindset that these students are necessarily “smarter” than other students, who also have gifts and talents but in different areas. With time and effort, you may “catch up”

with the GT (gifted/talented)

kids! Remember, talent can (and must) be developed! 8. Aptitude is another word for talent. YES! According to the dictionary definition, aptitude is talent potential. Aptitude is . . . • An innate or acquired capacity for something; a readiness or quickness, talent. • Potential that has not yet been tapped but can be trained. • Latin for fitness. There are general aptitudes. These “fit” us for achieving in almost any area we go into.

These are curiosity, logical reasoning, creativity, insight, persistence, metacognition, and leadership. We’ll begin to use these terms often in our classes.

There are subject-specific aptitudes.

These fit us for achievement in particular subject areas, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) or the humanities (languages, social studies, arts). You might find you have strengths in multiple areas, but your interests “fit” better in one subject than another. We are going to be using the word aptitude a lot in this class. We will use the term talent aptitude as well. Are you ready to discover more about your talent aptitudes? 9. Innovators are persons who use their talents in new and useful ways. YES! An innovation is a product, idea, or service that is both unique (new) and valuable to others. Some innovations have greatly changed our lives, like the smartphone.

Other innovations

haven’t had as great an impact but still represent unique and useful solutions that others appreciate and value. It’s important for you to know that with effort and persistence you can develop the aptitudes of innovators. You could become the next Steve Jobs. three • Create a Talent Development Mindset 37 10. I have new talents to discover and develop. Again, YES! How do you find them? Start looking! We discover our talents by seeking out opportunities to explore and develop new interests. Some of these you’ll want to pursue further, others not. But if you aren’t willing to move outside your comfort zone, you won’t discover your talents. And if you aren’t willing to work hard, you won’t develop them. Lost talent? We can’t afford that. The world needs exactly what you have to offer. So let’s get started!