Why are gifted programs bad?

Unfortunately, many gifted programs lack the necessary resources and are taught by teachers without the proper training. The current methods for identifying gifted learners is highly flawed. Minority children and those of low socioeconomic backgrounds are underrepresented in gifted programs for a variety of reasons.

Are gifted programs bad for kids?

Previous research, most of it limited to specific states and school districts, has been mixed. Some studies have shown sluggish learning growth for gifted students. However, high achieving students tend to improve less than average or below average students whether they’re in gifted or regular classrooms.

Are gifted classes helping or hurting schools?

Districts are eliminating gifted classes and instead trying to teach all students together. In some places, it’s working — but schools also face challenges. Around the country, gifted and talented programs have come under fire for exacerbating school systems’ already stark racial and economic segregation.

Are gifted students at a disadvantage in the workplace?

Therefore, students who do not develop a solid work ethic are at a disadvantage, despite their giftedness. Gifted services are determined at the state and local level. With a focus on general student proficiency—marked by the emphasis on statewide achievement tests—not much money is allocated for gifted programs.

How is the gifted program funded?

Gifted programs require extensive funding to be effective. Gifted programs in the United States are funded at the local and state levels. Because the focus of a school district is to create general student proficiencies, there is not as much money allocated to the gifted and talented students in the community.

Should gifted students be segregated from peers?

Gifted programs can still keep kids in their classroom with their peers. Although some gifted programs will take students into a segregated classroom, many districts use cluster groups as a way to provide legally-mandated services to highly capable students.