What do you teach? ‘Gifted Education’
Then it begins… a series of comments that I have become used to hearing, but that, even now, still don’t settle right in my mind. The truth is, the very word “gifted” carries so much weight, expectation, and really, just out right misconception, that I think the true meaning of the concept has gotten a bit lost. Even worse, I’m afraid that the focus on kids needs has gotten lost.
1.) Gifted is the class for the “smart kids.”
Do gifted children have high IQ? Yes. Is that what gifted is ALL about? Nope. It’s not just being “smart” and if people really understood that, it would be half the battle. Think of gifted being about how the brain is wired. It’s really about learning differences and needs. Learning rapidly, learning easily in some areas, and just seeing things in a totally different way.
2.) Gifted education is elitist.
Oh, my. I could write a billion words on this topic. If a child has a broken arm, is a cast considered elitist? Does a blind child’s braille book get considered a “privilege”? Of course not. Gifted is about learning differences. Nobody would deny a child special services for reading, but to require their learning experience to be amped up because that’s what they need is considered elitist?
3.) Gifted kids just need more work to keep them busy.
No. They don’t. More of the same is not at all what they need. They need someone to recognize the fact that they can handle more challenging work, with deeper thinking, and can rise to even higher expectations. In fact, they deserve a chance to really struggle so that they will learn how to study, how to be a learner, and how to handle “hard” concepts.
4.) A high IQ means you are good at everything.
Make a list of everyone you know who is perfect. Short list, huh? A student might be very gifted in math, but really struggle with spelling. Another student might be extremely talented in creative arts, but struggle to keep up in math. If you get a great bowling score does that mean you’ll be able to score touchdowns in the NFL, beat an Olympic track record, and play in the world series? Nah, it doesn’t mean that at all.
5.) We don’t really need a gifted program, because these kids already know the curriculum, so they will be fine.
Yikes. Will they? They crave challenge. They’re hungry for deeper learning. When they don’t get that, they may drop out of school, veer off the path of “good choices,” or just become so bored that they give up on learning. Is that “fine”? Let’s be honest, if you wouldn’t feel right cutting special education, then you should never, ever consider cutting gifted education. Again, it’s about meeting kids needs.
So, that word “gifted,” it carries so much weight. We’re not talking about some cute little present under the Christmas tree. We’re talking about educational needs. Planning units, compacting the curriculum, having programs, arranging mentors, and exploring new ways to differentiate in the classroom. It’s not simple. It’s not easy. But, it’s what’s right for kids. And that makes it all worth it.
