Kcab,

I agree with you about the term "gifted athlete". Sometimes it is used to describe a hard working individual and can have a negative meaning. But there are individuals that have natural abilities in a sport. That doesn't exclude hard work as an important factor for success.

I view academic or cognitive giftedness the same. Some people are naturally gifted in this area, but if not nurtured or "trained" to borrow a sports term, they will not be successful. Without adequate stimulation and exposure to various material, gifted children will tune out and under perform.I think this happens too frequently in schools where gifted kids don't fit the norm.

Jeni