Twice-Exceptional Students

Twice-exceptional students, referred to as 2e, may be in your special education classrooms regardless of school size or geographic area. Research shows that between 2% and 9% of special education students are twice exceptional. These students simultaneously exhibit both exceptional (gifted) abilities and a disability recognized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

As a special educator, you must recognize the potential for both giftedness and disability to be present, significant, and experienced jointly by the same student. While you may not encounter 2e students often, having global knowledge about this population will serve you, the student, and the student’s family well.

2e students benefit from intervention and strategies specific to both attributes. This is a tall order for educators and school systems. Students benefit from having an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) while also focusing on nurturing their strengths and giftedness. Twice-exceptional students may have an IEP if they have at least one disability as defined by IDEA categories and demonstrate a need for special education. Indiana also provides a High Ability Coordinator Handbook outlining services and best practices for identifying and serving 2e students.

The Identification Challenge

Identifying 2e students can be challenging. Often, the strengths of high-ability students can mask their disability-related needs, which makes it difficult to recognize their challenges. This phenomenon is known as masking. On the other hand, the effects of a disability can also hide one's giftedness. Additionally, there is a risk of missed diagnoses in this complex process.

The 2e student may be diagnosed as neither disabled nor gifted. The student might be assessed as having high ability but not as disabled. Alternatively, the student could be assessed as disabled but not as gifted. None of these three scenarios is beneficial because the student does not receive a suitable education, making it difficult for them to experience success and achievement.

Supporting 2e Students

Given the complexities described above, an excellent starting point for your self-directed learning are the resources listed below.

Bonus Tips:

Join us for the "From Transition IEP Knowledge to Portfolio Application" webinar series, featuring six focused 90-minute virtual training sessions. This training is designed for the entire student transition team: special education educators, coordinators, and administrators; employment professionals and agencies; and family members. Each session will cost $35 and run from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm ET.

  • November 5: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Intersections – Transition Services and Activities
  • November 12: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Intersections – Annual Goal Statements
  • November 19: Quality Transition Portfolio Format, Uses, and Examples
  • December 3: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Work Session Breakout Rooms

To register, visit the INSTRC Training and Technical Assistance webpage.