Twice-Exceptional (2e)

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Definition

Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) defines "Twice-exceptional" as:

A student who is:

(a) Identified as a gifted student pursuant to Section 12.01(16) of these Rules; and 12.01(30)(b)(1) Identified as a child with a disability pursuant to Section 4.02 of ECEA Rules; or
(b) A qualified individual pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.A. §794. [12.01(30)]

Description

Twice-exceptional (2e) students are gifted students with disabilities. The Twice-Exceptional Project is a collaboration between the Offices of Gifted Education and Special Education providing statewide professional learning around identification and support of twice-exceptional students.

Twice-exceptional students are difficult to identify and support because they possess the characteristics of gifted students and the characteristics of students with disabilities. Gifted characteristics may mask disabilities, or disabilities may mask gifted potential; either students’ strengths, disabilities, or both may not be identified. This difficulty in identifying and supporting twice-exceptional students can put them at risk of having their academic or social-emotional needs misunderstood or go unnoticed.