From de concept of the gifted to the high capacities and the talent

Abstract

This essay addresses the concept of gifted alumnus that is used in Mexico and contrasts with the “High Capacities” coined in some areas of international order. In the Mexican Educational System, this sector of the population is part of the diversity of the regular school and therefore is attended within the framework of educational inclusion that the national education policy demands. In the face of this, it is necessary to reflect on the implications that entails the use of said terminology and its impact on the detection and intervention process. At first, the document addresses the origin of the concept implemented by the Public Education Secretariat in 2006 and the theoretical models that gave rise to it, up to defining the gifted student. Subsequently, the concept implemented by the European High Capacity Council and the elements that support this definition are addressed. A fundamental part of the analysis presented in the text refers to talent as another element of the conceptual debate involving this demographic. Finally, a series of pertinent conclusions are made about the implications for Mexico of the use of a concept in comparison with international terminology.