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Characteristics of High Achievers, Gifted Learners, or Creative Thinkers

Dr. Bertie Kingore, an international consultant and renowned educator of gifted and talented students, developed a chart to compare the characteristics of High Achievers, Gifted Learners, and Creative Thinkers. This tool is a helpful resource for educators and parents when determining if a child is a candidate for a GATE program.

A High Achiever…

A Gifted Learner…

A Creative Thinker…

Remembers the answers

Poses unforeseen questions

Sees exceptions

Is interested

Is curious

Wonders

Performs at the top of the group

Is beyond the group

Is in own group

Learns with ease

Already knows

Questions: what if….

Needs 6 to 8 repetitions to master

Needs 1 to 3 repetitions to master

Questions the need for mastery

Enjoys the company of age alike peers

Prefers the company of intellectual peers

Prefers the company of creative peers, but often works alone

Completes assignments on time

Initiates projects and extensions of assignments

Initiates more projects than will ever be completed

Enjoys school often

Enjoys self-directed learning

Enjoys creating

Is highly alert and observant

Anticipates and relates observations

Is intuitive

Is pleased with own learning

Is self-critical

Is never finished with possibilities

Gets A’s

May not be motivated by grades

May not be motivated by grades

Dr. Bertie Kingore