Language Diversity and Giftedness: Working with Gifted English Language Learners

The challenge of serving gifted students from nonmainstream cultural backgrounds assumes greater complexity when accompanied by linguistic diversity. Gifted students with primary languages other than English, or English language learners, demonstrate wide within-group differences related to language of origin, level of first- and second- language proficiency, cultural background, and type and level of talent. While the majority of bilingual residents in the United States speak Spanish, some school district enrollments represent nearly 100 different language groups, some of very low incidence. To respond to the needs of this population, educators require current information concerning appropriate procedures for identification, service delivery, instructional methods, and community involvement. This article summarizes available literature and suggests future directions.