Values of Exceptional Students during Early Adolescence

An 11-item, rank order values inventory was administered to 104 exceptional adolescents in five diagnostic categories and to 101 nonexceptional adolescents. Results indicate the two main groups have similar value hierarchies. Both ranked good education, freedom, family security, and true friendship among their top five values, and equality, exciting life, and sense of accomplishment least important. Similar value patterns also existed among exceptional students in different categories. Comparison of rankings to those from different, nonexceptional adolescent populations shows demographic factors may influence value patterns more than handicapping conditions. Exceptional and nonexceptional students did differ significantly on good education and freedom. Findings refute stereotypes of exceptional adolescents. Exceptional adolescents’ top ranking of good education is especially significant for educators.