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Concept of Exceptionality
It is the trait or attribute of being extraordinary in the linguistic sense. In other words, one is considered exceptional in one or more areas of expertise or personality traits because they possess some exceptionality, i.e., uniqueness or being distinct from others who share that characteristic or quality. All of the children we have at home and at school must be exceptionally outstanding in themselves since, as we all know, uniqueness is the essential quality that distinguishes every creation of God. As a result, exceptionality is basically a relative quality. In respect to others, one is constantly distinctive, unusual, and remarkable. In this context, the term “exceptionality” refers to a general concept that highlights the existence of significant individual variations among children in at least one element of their personalities. The notion and meaning of the phrase are fairly broad.
However, the phrase has a rather constrained and particular meaning in its actual use in the fields of sociology, psychology, and education. Here, we limit its application to the idea of normalcy or arid normality, i.e., the aspects of a person’s personality that deviate significantly from the norm are frequently interpreted as the person’s exceptionality in that aspect. The idea of exceptionality is so closely related to the ideas of normalcy and normality. Therefore, it is essential for us to first get familiar with how these phrases are used.
Almost all teachers will encounter extraordinary students in their classes at some point. These kids have the potential to contribute to their communities. Every kid has the right to an education in a democracy like ours, including the right to assistance in learning to the fullest extent of his or her ability, no matter how little or large that ability may be. Giving every child the same chance to learn, whether they are extraordinary or not, is compatible with the democratic ethos.
The term ‘exceptional’ means different things to different people. Some use it when referring to particularly bright children or the child with unusual talents, others use it when they refer to any typical or deviant child. According to Telford and Sawrey (1972), “To be exceptional is to be rare or unusual.”
Kirk (1962) defines an exceptional child as “that child who deviates from the average or normal child in mental, physical, or social characteristics to such an extent that he requires a modification of school practices, or special education services in order to develop to his maximum capacity.”