The importance of teacher training for the educational inclusion of gifted and talented students

Abstract

The present work aims to make visible the lack of educational inclusion faced by gifted students in schools. The scientific evidence has shown ignorance of the educational needs that gifted children have. Moreover, there is a lack regarding the adjustment of the education intervention taking into account their characteristics; the lack of educational opportunities limits their full development and well-being, as well as their contribution to social development. Therefore, the convenience of measures that guarantee a personalized education that enhances their talents and attends their weaknesses is analysed. The limited knowledge of teachers about this reality, together with the prevalence of myths and false beliefs, harms their detection, the implementation of effective and inclusive educational responses, and the social-emotional development of this student body.  For this reason, the initial and permanent training of teachers is proposed as an urgent measure to meet the educational support needs of students with high intellectual capacity. The scientific community agree that teacher training has several positive effects. It promotes equitable and inclusive attitudes and educational measures; it facilitates early identification and, it advocates respect to the learning styles and ways of being of these learners. Thus, teachers' professional development stimulates gifted student's potential and cultivates their emotional well-being and the development of an adjusted concept of themselves.