Gifted students neglected

"Faced with the daunting challenges posed by the new global economy, the U.S. is squandering one of its greatest assets in the form of its gifted and talented students," writes guest columnist Walt Gardner in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "Yet the issue remains curiously absent from public debate among presidential candidates."

Gardner's commentary places some of the blame at the federal level, where billions are spent on programs to bring all students up to minimal proficiency and only "a paltry $9.7 million" was spent in 2006 on the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, the only federal initiative specifically focused on this group of students.

Gardner goes on to discuss the pros and cons of Advanced Placement programs, the potential value of dual enrollment (high school and college), and the importance of professional development for teachers of the gifted. "Despite popular belief, not all gifted students learn by themselves," writes Gardner. "They need inspired instruction and a challenging curriculum specifically geared to their needs."

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