We hear a lot about the needs of gifted students and of students with disabilities, but what about students who have both sets of needs, known as twice-exceptional students?
The University of Iowa announced recently it will be launching a five-year project to design and implement a first-of-its-kind national institute dedicated to twice-exceptional students.
The National Institute for Twice-Exceptionality will assist students in receiving appropriate evaluations; implement large-scale research projects; serve as a clearinghouse for materials related to twice-exceptional learners; and offer Web-based and on-site professional development opportunities, according to a news release from the university.
The institute got a boost from U.S. Rep. David Loebsack and Iowa Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley, who helped to secure $165,000 in federal funding to support its establishment.
It would be interesting to hear whether your school has a program for twice-exceptional students. Please share in the comments.