Constructing Giftedness in a Due Process Hearing: Deconstructing an Administrative Law Judge’s Decision

• In Event: Closer Examination of Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Through Focused Lenses

Abstract

The purpose of this critical discourse analysis is to explore how a Florida administrative law judge (ALJ) adjudicated the giftedness of a student. Specifically, we explore the discourse in an ALJ’s final order to uncover how an ALJ navigates through conflict and deconstructs the expert opinions and special education state statute on the definition of giftedness, and then constructs giftedness from these sources to arrive at the final decision. The findings suggest that the ALJ centered his decision based on how that ALJ constructed the expertise of professionals.

Authors

• Michelle Henry, University of South Florida

• Zorka Karanxha, University of South Florida