ABSTRACT
The education of twice-exceptional learners should focus on developing their strengths, interests, and passions rather than remediating areas of weakness. This chapter will address strategies for developing strengths in twice-exceptional learners. A supportive learning community that honors individual differences and multiple perspectives is essential. Twice-exceptional learners require intellectually stimulating curriculum in areas of strength and additional support, accommodations, and encouragement in areas of weakness. As the student experiences success in strength areas, he/she will become more confident in their abilities. Twice-exceptional learners prefer researching topics of interest on the internet. They enjoyed exploring complex issues, and developing an understanding of how things are connected. Analyzing problems with real-life connections is challenging and motivational. Experiential learning opportunities that emphasize inquiry and problem-based strategies work best. The curriculum should be relevant and differentiated with an emphasis on higher order thinking and problem solving. Assignments should be open ended, respectful tasks. Twice-exceptional learners need opportunities to explore their passions and complete independent/small group investigations. Students said their gifted education classes were the most beneficial, but not all the students had access to gifted programming. Successful students took ownership of their learning, and understood their learning needs.
