The role of a school psychologist is multifaceted. Not only do they provide mental health support to students, but they also play a crucial role in identifying and supporting students with exceptionalities. One group of students that often requires specialized attention are those who are twice exceptional (2e), meaning they have both high intellectual ability and a learning disability or other neurodivergent condition. As a school psychologist, it is important to have a deep understanding of 2e students and the best ways to support them. This blog post will explore ways in which school psychologists can identify and support 2e students, so that they can reach their full potential.
2e students are often overlooked because they demonstrate both areas of strength and weakness.
1) Understanding Twice Exceptionality
As school psychologists, it’s important to understand the definition of twice exceptionality. These students have the double challenge of high intellectual ability and a diagnosis of a learning disability or other exceptionality at the same time. 2e students are often overlooked because they demonstrate both areas of strength and weakness. Consequently, they can be seen only through the lens of either their strengths or their weaknesses and it is important to remember to consider both areas when working with them.
2) Screening and Identification:
One of the most important roles of a school psychologist is to screen and identify twice exceptional students. While some 2e students will come to their attention due to their academic struggles, others may keep their challenges hidden to avoid being perceived as different from their peers. School psychologists can assess intellectual, academic, and behavioral functioning of 2e students to identify the areas of difficulty to ensure their educational needs are met, and they are working up to their intellectual potential.
Screening and identification of twice exceptional students can be a complex process. It requires a thorough understanding of both giftedness and disabilities, as well as the ability to recognize how these traits may overlap in a student. Additionally, it is important for school psychologists to consider cultural and linguistic diversity when identifying 2e students, as their strengths and weaknesses may manifest differently across different backgrounds.
One method for screening and identification is through the use of multiple assessments.
One method for screening and identification is through the use of multiple assessments. This can include both formal and informal measures, such as intelligence tests, academic achievement tests, observations, and interviews with the student and their parents or teachers. It is important to gather information from multiple sources in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
3) Individualized Education Plans (IEPs):
Developing appropriate IEPs for 2e students is critical to their academic success. Development of a comprehensive IEP should include accommodations and modifications to support the student’s areas of strength,personal interests, and effective interventions to target their areas of weakness. Furthermore, to make their school experience more engaging, in-depth, and meaningful, comprehensive evidence-based strategies such as personalized learning or project-based learning can be applied to the individualized education plans.
4) Counseling and Support:
School Psychologists should also provide counseling and support to families and educators of 2e students. Although it’s important to provide individual interventions to support their academic and socio-emotional needs, students can also benefit from involving their families and teachers in the process of IEP development and specialized educational interventions. Additionally, connection with external resources such as occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists can be useful to provide a holistic support system.
Assessment and monitoring of 2e students’ academic and socio-emotional progress is essential
5) Ongoing Assessment and Monitoring:
Finally, it’s important to remember that assessment and monitoring of 2e students’ academic and socio-emotional progress is essential. Regular check-ins with students, families, and educators to gather feedback can help identify areas of success and areas in need of further support or modification.
In conclusion, as school psychologists, we can play a critical role in identifying and supporting students who are twice exceptional. By understanding the unique characteristics of 2e students, screening and identifying their needs, developing effective IEPs, providing counseling and support, and monitoring progress, we can help ensure that 2e students receive the individualized services they need to thrive academically and socially. Remember that each 2e student is unique, with a variety of strengths and weaknesses, and that individualized support must be tailored to their specific needs to support them in achieving their lifelong goals.
Photo by Yingchou Han on Unsplash
