Journal for the Education of the Gifted 2016, Vol. 39(4) 338–360 © The Author(s) 2016 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0162353216671834 jeg.sagepub.com Article Gifted English Language Learners: Global Understandings and Australian Perspectives Aranzazu M. Blackburn 1 , Linley Cornish 1 , and Susen Smith 2 Abstract Current research on gifted English language learners (gifted ELLs) is broadly centered on identification issues and investigations of underrepresentation in gifted programs mainly in schools in the United States and referencing predominantly Spanish- speaking students. Australia presents itself as a multicultural nation, yet limited research exists as to what it knows about its particular gifted ELL populations and ways of supporting them when they enter Australian schools. A review of the current literature examines existing research in the United States and explores the findings from Australian studies. Some suggestions for future research in both local and global contexts are offered. Keywords gifted students, Australia, English as a second language, English language learners Research indicates that in the last three decades, the general themes found in the litera- ture on gifted and talented education have tended to revolve around multiple dimen- sions, including conceptualization, identification, special provision, and evaluation (Bakken, Obiakor, & Rotatori, 2014; Garcia, 2002; Sternberg, Jarvin, & Grigorenko, 2011). More specific concerns include underrepresentation, underachievement (Davis, 2009), sociocultural differences (Phillipson & McCann, 2007), and the study of par- ticular populations including girls (Kerr & Foley Nicpon, 2003), twice-exceptional 1 University of New England, Armidale, Australia 2 University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia Corresponding Author: Aranzazu M. Blackburn, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia. Email: ablackb4@myune.edu.au 671834JEG XX X 10.1177/0162353216671834Journal for the Education of the GiftedBlackburn et al. research-article 2016