You have a class of 30 students, one of whom is extremely bright. Anita immediately understands the concepts you are teaching and is ready to move on while you are still explaining them to the rest of the class. She completes the assignments rapidly, and you know that she can and would do more.
Researchers deplore the effects of tracking and special classes for the gifted and talented.
As a teacher concerned about students like Anita, you know how difficult it is to teach to all the ability levels in your classroom. Some gifted and talented children are not identified as such or do not perform up to their ability. They don't conform and may not do well on IQ tests. The primary characteristic of gifted students who underachieve in school is low self-esteem. These children are negative about themselves, and they are distrustful, indifferent, unconcerned, and hostile toward others as a result.