Twice-Exceptional (2E) Students

At MADE Houston we are committed to meeting the unique needs of twice-exceptional students (2e).  Twice-exceptional is a term used to describe a student who is academically exceptionally able but also has an additional learning difference or a disability. 

Twice-exceptional students require targeted educational supports that highlight a student’s strengths.  Teachers and staff at MADE Houston put an emphasis on learning and adapting to the nuances that 2e students may have, but also understand that despite their academic and intellectual acumens, they do require support to fill in gaps across other domains.  Twice Exceptional children are often highly creative, hold varied and intense interests, exhibit sharp problem-solving skills, and have a sophisticated sense of humor.  However, 2e  children often struggle with issues related to social-emotional growth and/or regulation.  Many 2e students struggle with anxiety, emotional regulation, social anxiety, and executive dysfunction - all issues that impact their ability to succeed in traditional school settings. 

As part of our approach, we make sure to address the development of skills in areas that 2e students tend to show deficits in:

·  Executive Functioning Skills
·  Self-Advocacy Skills
·  Homework and Test-taking skills
·  Building healthy and supportive relationships

Special attention is placed on supporting skills related to self-advocacy. Since 2e students are often misunderstood and may have been labeled as “lazy or defiant” when not excelling in areas that they are presumed to naturally thrive in, it is vital that they become their own best advocate. These skills are taught, scaffolded, and supported throughout all activities at MADE Houston.  We understand that once students transition to their next school, they will rely on their understanding of themselves to more successfully engage with peers and faculty.