Underachievement and Disadvantage

Abstract

When most people think about giftedness, they think of a highly motivated child who is achieving a high level. That is; there is a common perception that our schools are providing well for the needs of the gifted child. However, according to an Australian senate report in 2001, gifted children do have special needs within the education system, and for many these needs are not being met. "Many suffer underachievement, boredom, frustration and psychological distress as a result" (Commonwealth of Australia, 2001, Paragraph 1.1). Gifted children from backgrounds of disadvantage are particularly at risk of falling significantly short of realizing their potential.