Intelligence & the Plight of the Average Student.

Although IQ tests provide a narrow definition of intelligence, this article considers the possibility that alternate constructs, such as creativity, can also represent a person's aptitude. Hence, a rhetorical question surrounds whether a person with an average score on conventional IQ tests yet also possesses supreme creativity would still be considered intellectually average. The second section of the article examines the average student, both in terms of academics and social behavior. In today's society, our academic system is reluctant to don students with an average classification based on the fact that the performance of "Generation Y" has been exaggerated, because teachers naturally gravitate toward gifted students, as well as the fact that No Child Left Behind has focused on remediating underdeveloped students. Further, the "environmental" or effort portion of intelligence is explored, along with a list of colleges that acknowledge such exertion, followed by programs that assist average learners. Finally, behaviorally average students — those who are neither socially advanced nor delinquent — are discussed.