Are gifted and talented programs elitist? 36 Articles

by Ernest Capraro

While the politics of "No Child Left Behind" are questionable, the underlying mandate is admirable. As educators, we should provide for the educational needs of all our students. The focus tends to be on struggling and d...read more

by Heinz Sladek

Gifted and talented programs tend to be seen by those whose children do not receive their benefits as elitist. When in reality, the purpose of the gifted and talented programs are not meant to be elitist, but are meant to ...read more

by Greg Slack

ARE GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAMS ELITIST As a father of three children two of whom are in TAG or advanced classes, I may have some insight into this topic. As much as having children in this program fills me with a sense ...read more

by Wispen Lee

Gifted programs have often been labeled as elitist, where they serve the function of being a gathering place of the children of the rich, famous and successful, instead of truly serving the children who deserve it the most...read more

by J P Whickson

Having taught for a number of years I found that special programs can be both hazardous and helpful. There was a double blind study done by Rosenthal where the teachers were told that the child's locker number was his I.Q....read more

by Jerri Rivers

It is nearly impossible to argue that when you put a group of kids who are considered to be gifted into a special class that you are not creating some sort of dividing line, and essentially an "elite" class. However, thes...read more

by Emmet Dunbar

If our educational system were free of politics and social pressures, than I would warmly embrace programs for the Talented and Gifted. However, schools are not. Because of this, Talented and Gifted programs are rapidly ...read more

by W Thomas Payne

The concept that gifted and talented programs in the schools (if you can even find one) are elitist is a concept conceived in the mire of political correctness, its supporters wanting us all to be alike, when the reality i...read more

by Mark Butler

Asking if Gifted and Talented programs are elitist is on a par with asking if high school and college sports are elitist. Is the high school star quarterback or track star an elitist? They might be if we took the same ap...read more

by Patricia Gilliam

I was part of two public school gifted programs in elementary and middle school, and I definitely know they weren't elitist due to the fact I was in them. Even though I remember at the same time being in the free and redu...read more

by Tricia Lye

This topic reminds me of Hans Christian Anderson's little matchstick girl who saw all the wonderful food behind the glass window. It must have been good, considering her underprivileged situation. Such wonderful Christma...read more

by Craig Brum

As a parent of a child in a gifted program I have the unfortunate position of having to defend my decision to let him participate in the program. I have found that far too many people rush to judgment on this subject. I en...read more

by Lili Melton Ph.D.

Are gifted and talented programs elitist - for the pompous, highbrows, social climbers or the bookish, brainy, cerebral? Are all specialized programs for elitists? As with any enacted program, rationales for governme...read more

by Danelle Karth

A long time ago in a place far away there was a young girl. She was gifted, loved to learn, and desired to achieve great things. However, she didn't know that she was "gifted" until a certain teacher showed her her passion...read more

by Raven Lebeau

"Gifted and talented" programs benefit everyone, as do programs for students with learning disabilities. All students can succeed in some areas in their own way and at their own pace. By giving each student the most appr...read more

by William Cobbs

Are gifted and talented programs elitist? NO; in a lifetime of teaching and specifically as head master at the ACADEMY FOR THE GIFTED (grades nine through twelve) in St. Petersburg, Florida, I learned that with the ...read more

by Pamela Hayden

Are gifted and talented programs elitist? I think not. The gifted and talented programs across the country are what your child's education should be. This country should not have to be worried about whether a child is left...read more

by Stu James

They certainly are. Huge proof of this is evident in how the message of a tremendous chronicle of the efforts of a teacher working in a 'magnet' school in the Los Angeles area -trying to remedy this situation for the sake...read more

by Blair Bordelon

The gifted and talented programs in schools have absolutely nothing to do with elitism. Elitism is giving someone certain privileges because of their beauty, station in society, or how much money they have. The gifted prog...read more

by Leslie Driesen

As much as we would like to believe it, the truth is that we are not all equal - at least not in intelligence, talent, savvy, and other things. Some people are gifted extraordinarily in certain areas. We cannot all be ro...read more