by Murray L. Musser

Created on: April 19, 2008

Standardized tests are used in all schools in America. They serve many purposes. Many show potential and progress of students, teachers, and teaching methods. The tests also help place children in specific areas of need or advancement. IQ tests are different from standardized tests, and generally are not taken by the large population of students. Most IQ tests are given to those that have displayed lower or higher than normal scores on standardized test. When a student scores over a 115 on an IQ test, they are considered gifted. But, what does being highly gifted really mean?

In present society, a gifted child is one that has taken and scored over 115 on an IQ test. The average score is 100. Those scoring between 85-115 are the vast number of students in the world. Classifications of being gifted have many levels. Those scoring from 115 to 129 are considered mildly gifted. A score of 130 to 144 defines them as moderately gifted. 145 to 160 makes the IQ scorer highly gifted. Exceptionally gifted persons score from 160 to 179. A rare few are considered profoundly gifted with a score of 180.

On paper it makes sense and seems to be the perfect way to score all persons equally. In truth, it fails a great many times. One case study showed where a student was classified as mildly retarded for three years with a score of 77 on IQ tests, and very low on standardized tests that were given to the child. When the parents forced the state to review the test with them. It was discovered that all the questions answered were correct, but not one part of the test had been completed. The student was a slow reader and could not finish any of the tests. When the IQ test was given orally, the student scored a 154. The test scores went from mildly retarded to highly gifted. The case study was just one of thousands that show that IQ tests and standardized tests are not a perfect way to measure a student intelligence.

Highly gifted is a term used for those that have tested well in certain areas on paper. In fact, all people are highly gifted in some area. Be it mathematics, logic, emotion, or a specific talent. A mentally challenged individual may be highly gifted in their spirit and joy. It is a term only. Just as geek, athletic, popular, and loser are just a term used by others. Wrong or right, it is just a way of classifying individuals. It should not have bearing on all that defines a person. Each of us are unique and highly gifted. Some talents are easily seen on paper and translated into an educational classification of highly gifted.

So, what does highly gifted really mean? It simply defines your talents. We each need to share our highly gifted abilities with the world. Express our passion and gift with as many as we can touch. Show our appreciation of others talents in as many ways as possible. We are all smart and we need to hear it. Compliment more than you define and you will mold a brighter future. Share your gift, and your knowledge will expand in more ways than you can imagine. You are highly gifted. You are smart. You are appreciated.

Learn more about this author, Murray L. Musser.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.