Recognizing the Traits of Giftedness in Minorities as They Impact Identification

Abstract

This article is a review of continuing research to examine whether expectations and perceptions of gifted behaviors for giftedness are influenced by the ethnicity of the evaluator. Is it possible that the indicator behaviors of various ethnicities are not recognized by untrained observers from outside the ethnic culture of that student? Are expectations and the view of giftedness from the perspective of one's own personal ethnicity the reason for lower percentages of minority students in gifted and talented programs across the United States? This research examines observer perceptions of giftedness based upon ethnicity, the traits identified as indicators for giftedness expressed by leaders (teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders) from within their own particular ethnicity.