Susan Hart

DIFF 510
Student Profile Gifted
Name of student: ZZ
Grade level: 2
Describe the students learning differences in the area of disability and/or giftedness: (How
does this student differ from typical classmates?
ZZ is always the first to answer, retains information, wins math flashcard games with all
students. Often seems bored or withdrawn during whole group instruction, yet can reiterate the
material with ease.
On Middle of the Year, DIBELS scores for reading fluency, ZZ is reading 163 words per minute,
with 100% accuracy (end of year benchmark is 92 WPM). One Common Formative Assessments
for ELA, ZZ scored a 94% missing 1 out of 15 questions. For Math CFA, ZZ scored a 100%.
ZZ is assertive and often a leader in group activities and within the classroom. She has a strong
character and is able to express ideas to achieve a goal. ZZ likes to help others, but may become
easily frustrated when another student is unable to grasp material she is explaining.
ZZ likes to explain reasoning, looks for extended learning, and often does research outside of the
classroom and explains what she has learned to instructor/class.
ZZ often tells elaborate stories to educators orally about personal experiences. She is also able to
explain learning in her writing with complex writing skills showing sequence in events with an
introduction, details and conclusion.
When introducing a topic to the class, ZZ often shares pertinent information about the
instructional material. She often reads books, and completes reading log with 25 books/month in
a two week period.
Based on observations and inventories, what are this students learning styles in the areas
of Multiple Intelligences, learning styles, preference for group or individual work, etc?
ZZ is an auditory and visual learner. She learns from listening and hearing material. She often
remembers material she heard, and when talking in discussion, will often refer to what others
have said prior to current instruction. Visually, ZZ understands and remembers things from sight.
She is actively engaged during Listening and Learning time, due to the listening of the story and
the visual component of the materials.
ZZ is confident and believes in herself and her abilities. She is courageous and likes to problemsolve.

ZZ is always prepared, and often comes to class with information on the topic we are discussing
to share with the class. She often sticks to a task until she masters it. She has self-control and
shows great discipline in the classroom and with curriculum.
What are this students interests?
ZZ enjoys reading and writing. She likes to tell stories in depth. She also likes hands-on
activities, puzzles, and activities that allow her to problem solve.
ZZ attends a gymnastics class and dance class. She is very social in the class. She has many
friends within the classroom.
I was able to obtain student interests by performing a learning style analysis, and with an
interview with student.
Based on your preassessment, please describe this students strengths and weaknesses
regarding the content of your unit.
Attached is the pre-assessment used for this unit.
I used a diagram of an insect as a pre-assessment for ZZ.
I also asked questions that will be asked on the summative assessment to find out what material
will need to be taught and reviewed, and portions that may be familiar to student.
Out of 10 vocabulary words, ZZ could identify and explain 8 of them. Words unknown were
bioluminescence and entomologist. As a group, I orally asked students questions about their
knowledge of insects. ZZ identified insects as having 6 legs, and three body parts. She was also
able to explain that bees are insects and they help us with pollination and give us honey. When
working 1-1, I asked ZZ how insects were helpful, and she was able to explain that insects are
pollinators and that some eat other harmful insects. ZZ was able to identify that insects are very
adaptable to their surroundings and that insects have been on earth for millions of years. ZZ
know that butterflies undergo metamorphosis, but did not know all stages (3 out of 4 missed
pupa stage calling it a worm).
ZZ will need to be challenged to supplement materials already known to her. Learning
extensions will need to be formatted for ZZ in order to keep her engaged in the unit materials.
Plans will be modified to meet her needs. During listening portion of some stories where we are
covering material she has mastered, ZZ may work independently using her prior knowledge to
write an essay that she will be able to share with her classmates. Small group instruction will
allow ZZ to work in a group building their knowledge of insects. Post-assessment materials for
ZZ will include a written portion for her to express what she has learned. ZZ will have a
modified assessment plan that is able to measure what she has learned and not assessing her prior
knowledge. ZZ will also need resources to be available. She can benefit from trade-books,
computer research websites, and videos on insects. Because there is a strong home connection
with school, ZZ may also have the opportunity to work on a project of her own at home to share
with the class.