Predictors of Success for Gifted and Talented Schools: An Attitude, Interest, Values and Behavioral Approach

This research explores various predictors of success for academically talented students at an upper-level residential school located in the south-central US. The academic focus of the school is to provide selected students with opportunities for accelerated studies in math and science. Students in their junior and senior years were given the DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) behavioral instrument and tracked over a two year period to identify predictor attributes of success. Data were collected from 211 students, including academic and personal demographic information along with DISC scores. The DISC has been used in job profiling to help companies make better hiring decisions such that employee retention and job success are maximized. Success in this study was measured as the outgoing grade point average (GPA) of the student. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine predictors of this independent variable. Results indicate that incoming GPA prior to enrollment as well as a student’s adaptability on the Dominance dimension are significant predictors of success. The remaining three components of the DISC were not shown to be significant predictors. Further analysis also revealed differences between a students ’ adapted DISC scores (how students adapt to the situation) and their natural DISC scores (traits the student brought with them to the situation), suggesting that large gaps ma