Underachievement in gifted students is a behavior that can be modified by an awareness of its causes and the introduction of preventative strategies. Some of the dualities which suggest intervention procedures are push vs. pull, risk taking vs. risk making, encouragement vs. praise, and first best vs. first worst. (Author/SW)

Research shows that underachievement in gifted students is caused by a number of factors, including the student's social and psychological attributes, unfavorable family and cultural factors, and low teacher expectations. Two major strategies have been used to eliminate or reduce underachievement--counseling and homogeneous educational grouping.…

The article discusses problems experienced by gifted students, offers suggestions for workable solutions, and lists some common attributes required by both parents and teachers to achieve positive interaction. It is concluded that parents and teachers working together--using patience, commitment, and understanding--will benefit the gifted child.…