Why labeling students as 'gifted' isn't working

When Ava Echard was 5 years old, she took a test that placed her in a gifted and talented program. Participating in this program offered Ava many exciting opportunities, but it also made her wonder: what made her so "special," and why was this specialness determined at such an early age? Now in high school, Ava's questioning whether her "gifted and talented" label had more to do with her advantageous upbringing than with her innate abilities. In this comprehensive Talk, Ava explains why schools should consider the relationship between nature and nurture, and focus more on celebrating the many different kinds of intelligence that exist among students.

This presentation was completed by participating in a TED-Ed program and produced independently of the TED Conferences. Only approved participants are able to upload TED-Ed Student Talks.