Section 162.675. RSMo defines gifted children as "those children who exhibit precocious development of mental capacity and learning potential as determined by competent professional evaluation to the extent that continued educational growth and stimulation could best be served by an academic environment beyond that offered through a standard grade level curriculum." This brief report presents: (1) Who is the Gifted Learner?; (2) Why is Gifted Education Important?; (3) Characteristics of Gifted Students; and (4) Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners.