Disadvantaged Gifted Students: Latinos

This Literature Review examines the underrepresentation of gifted minority students identified in the United States, particularly Latinos. Giftedness and Talent Programs have historically been predominantly white with a diminished minority representation in the case of Latino, Black, and American Indigenous peoples. Although it has been argued in the past, nature vs nurture is not representative of the literature today. The literature shows that underrepresentation is caused by non-inclusive testing and identification bias by teachers. This kind of teacher bias may be caused by overt or implicit prejudice and may affect student interactions and mental health even outside of the gifted space. Microaggressions have a role in these moments with gifted teachers. In particular, Latino students may be affected in unique circumstances when compared to their unidentified peers as they may experience a language barrier or experience fears concerning undocumented status.