Diverse Learner Profile – Gifted and Talented Student
Who is DeMarcus?
Demographics and Abilities
 9-year-old, 3rd grader, who is African
American
 Reading two grade levels above
 C Average Student
 Oldest of 3 kids
 Enjoys coding, science, and reading
DeMarcus
What is Success to DeMarcus?
Interests and Aspirations
 Cannot wait to finish every book by his
favorite author
 Strives to be 1st generation 4-year
college student in his family
 Wants to create video games that
don’t have violence
 Aims to provide food & shelter for his
family when he is older
See and Hear in Environment?
Community and Home
 Urban School District (PK-12)
 1 parent family
 Parent often works nights at local
hospital
 Every kid plays sports in the
neighborhood
What really matters to DeMarcus?
Opportunities and Resources
 Love Fridays because of science
investigations but wants science like that
every day in class
 Wishes teachers would ask him how he
wants to learn
 Cannot stop thinking about coding a robot to
do his math so he can spend more time
reading
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 Diverse Learner Profile – Gifted and Talented Student

Emphasized Description:
African American students makeup 13.15% of the total student population in Oklahoma but
African American only 4% of the gifted student population in Oklahoma. How can we better identify gifted
African American students?
DeMarcus is a gifted reader that achieves little gain from the reading activities given to
Reading Above Level
others his age and grade. What strategies can be used to meet his reading abilities?
Being the oldest child, DeMarcus feels the burden of not always having enough to go
Oldest child
around. What community services are available to DeMarcus’ family?
DeMarcus’ school district provides services, such as art, gardening, and technology, during
Urban School District
the school day. How can these services be utilized to better serve the gifted population?
DeMarcus knows that his parent graduated with a 2-year associate degree from a
Postsecondary
community college and understands the benefit of post-secondary education. What
Education
opportunities are available to expand DeMarcus’ opportunity for college readiness?
Playing sports is a social event in the neighborhood so DeMarcus joins in. However, he
Plays Sports
would rather be in his room reading. What community activities can support his interests?
DeMarcus knows that he wants to attend college after he graduates and realizes that hard
First-Generation work and good grades will help him achieve this dream. He wants to reach this goal not only
College for himself but to be a role model for his younger siblings. What opportunities are available
for student mentoring?
DeMarcus is deeply connected to social justice issues. He wants to see the good in people
Social Justice and influence others in a positive way. How can we connect DeMarcus to community issues
and other advocacy avenues?
Because food and shelter are sometimes not abundant in his family, DeMarcus aspires to
Provide for His Family achieve in life so he can give back to his own family. What other service-oriented
opportunities are available for DeMarcus through school?
DeMarcus is curious about the science he is learning and wishes he had this kind of
Science Investigations learning opportunity on a more consistent basis. What community activities can expand his
learning opportunities?
DeMarcus doesn’t always like group work because kids in the class know he is smart and
How He Wants to Learn takes advantage of him. How can teachers provide opportunities for students to work with
other students of similar passions and interests?

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Diverse Learner Profile – Gifted and Talented Student