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As an educator I would eliminate the term of "gifted and talented" and replace it will the generic term of " special needs". This seems to shock most parents in the beginning, but if you stick with me, my hope is that you may follow my logic and help to carry my banner. For the sake of the children this needs to be changed.

A special needs class is one that is designed to meet the needs of students that are not currently being met in a standard classroom, regardless of which end of the spectrum. The students may be grouped by learning styles, talents, advanced skills and many other objectives.

We have two math classes outside of the standard classroom. They are titled "Challenge Math One" and "Challenge Math Two". One of the classes is for students who are behind and the other is for students who are ready to move ahead. The title of the class doesn't include any determination of being better or worse than any other student. The classes do random name changes and student rotations. Yes, eventually the students figure it out. However, but that time they have usually gained a solid self esteem. Now why is this concept so important?

The self-esteem of a child is formed in many ways, by many people. School can be a bigger influence than most know. For example, a group of students leaving a classroom to go a gifted and talented program may say to the those left behind "I have no gifts and talents". It may say to those leaving "I am smarter and more talented than you." The potential for this to be an elitist program and a lose- lose situation is immense. And yet, it is the job of the educator to meet the needs of all the students.

So how do you make the system work for everyone besides simple name changes? Have the rotations come when everyone is moving to a different class room. At first the logistics seem a little complicated, but we have it mastered at our school. Everyone is going somewhere and the students become more focused on where they are going than what is happening with others.

Coordinate so the classes may be doing similar activities on a different level. For example, the English class may be reading and performing a play. This can be done at the very lowest level and highest level and on the playground they say we are doing a play. Does is mean the kids won't put themselves into categories? No. But will it help? Yes.

The next big hurdle is the parent. An individual education plan for each child in my classroom is a lot of work, but it certainly helps my students and parents understand what we are trying to accomplish as a team. Teach them to help improve their child's learning situation and evaluate their strengths as team. It takes a lot of work, but it is worth every extra minute. Get an individual education plan for your child with your teacher today and improve education. Since it is my classroom I determine the rules and in my class it is a must.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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