Two tails of the normal curve - Similarities and differences in the study of mental retardation and giftedness

Professionals in the fields of mental retardation and giftedness have much to teach each other as well as the field of human development in general. E xamining the commonalities and differences between the fields in social iss ues, definitions, developmental differences from the norm, values and polic y issues, and educational and long-term implications deepens insights about both normal and deviant development. The authors stress the importance of individual differences in the differential design of educational strategies and the application of approaches developed with specialized populations t o normally developing children. Current social inequalities affect both of these fields in particular ways. Finally, numerous research agendas cart be enhanced by including representatives of both ends of the normal curve.