This work was done as a part of EDET 735 Technological Applications for Diverse Populations at the University of South Carolina.

1. Meeting the Needs of 2e
Learners
Mary K. O’Grady-Jones
EDET 735
University of South Carolina

2. Who Are These 2e Students
Many times teachers are face with a student
whom they know to be gifted but are under
performing. These students are often given
the labels of lazy, stubborn, or not trying.
Twice-exceptional (2e) students are gifted
and display strengths in their area of
giftedness but they also have a learning
disability that can get in the way of
continued success.

3. Types of Disability and Impact
Twice Exceptionality Learner Struggles
Autism Singular interest in preferred subjects, poor social skills, and
unwillingness to engage in subjects that they find difficult.
Emotional and Behavioral
Difficulties
Easily frustrated and low self-esteem.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Difficulty with organization, attention, and focus.
Specified Learning Disabilities Delays in specific subject areas, inconsistency between
written and verbal communication skills.

4. Universal Design for Learning
The Universal Design for Learning Guidelines are a framework for improving
teaching practices and student outcomes. The three major components include:
• Providing multiple means of Engagement
• Providing multiple means of Representation
• Providing multiple means of Action & Expression
For educators of students who are 2e, these guidelines provide a valuable
framework for moving students forward in their educational journey.

5. Strategies to Engage 2e Students
• Emphasize student strengths
• Provide alternative ways for
students to show learning
• Teach organizational skills
• Recognize their unique needs

6. Rolls for Effective
Collaboration
• Gifted teacher-optimize the student’s
strengths.
• Special education teacher -ensure that
accommodations are appropriate.
• General education teacher-provide
appropriate differentiation.
• Parents/guardians- monitor social
emotional needs and communicate/
collaborate with teachers.

7. Gifted/Autism-Technology Solutions
Challenges for students with autism can be as varied and individual needs need
to be taken into consideration. Autism Speaks provides detailed information
about augmentative and alternative communication. In choosing a program, it
is important to consider the following:
• Promote independence
• Expand communication
• Increase social interactions

8. Gifted/Anxiety-Technology Solutions
• Organizational tools can reduce anxiety and help with communication
• Calming Apps can give the student an opportunity to step back from an
anxiety inducing event.
• Go Zen provides several videos that students can tap into to help provide calming
meditations. This can be done as a whole class or students can find a quiet spot and
some headphones to view on their own device.
• Calm-app and website provides guided meditations, quieting music, and nature sounds.

9. Gifted/Dyslexia-Technology Solutions
Gifted students with dyslexia need to engage with complex texts in an
accessible manor. Some tools to help include:
• Audible-audio narration of literature and nonfiction titles.
• Book Share gives students access to a variety of materials including
textbooks.
• Screen readers such as Natural Reader or ChromeVox can be used to read
internet content.

10. Gifted/Dysgraphia- Technology Solutions
• Speech-to-Text Solutions
• Google Voice Typing
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Digital Graphic Organizers
• Google Drawing can be used to create graphic organizers and work flow trackers for longer range projects.
The following websites offer free organizers to get started.
• Control Alt Achieve
• Ditch That Textbook
• Popplet can be used to create graphic organizers, workflow charts, and other learning or management tools.
This tool is easy for students to learn and images can be downloaded and saved to learning management
systems.

11. Gifted/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity -
Solutions
For students who need help with organization
• Google Classroom can be used to keep files and assignment organized.
• Digital Graphic Organizers can be used to organize and track thought processes.
Many of the tools previously mentioned in this presentation can help students
with reading and writing difficulties

12. Conclusion
• Success for 2e students is within reach using the UDL framework in
combination with an understanding of each child’s unique gifts and
disabilities.
• Working collaboratively, parents, gifted teachers, classroom teachers, and
special education teachers can make a difference for 2e students.
• Remember to always focus on and leverage the child’s strengths above their
struggles.