Why is it that under-achieving students or those identified with disabilities are considered to fall under the category of special education who receive special services and those identified as gifted learners do not? Why don’t high-achievers receive special services? In fact, these students are typically lost in the system, fall between the cracks, or turn into behavior issues or under-achievers because they do not receive the type and depth of education they need to succeed. Why aren’t we putting more resources into helping these students grow as learners? Afterall, they are our future leaders, change-makers, and innovative thinkers in most cases.
I am a firm believer that ALL students deserve to grow and be lifted up from where they are at, including those identified with gifts and talents. I believe that ALL students have talents. I am a proponent for personalized education for all. But what does this look like in the classroom? How does a teacher “personalize” the education for 20 to 30 or more students at a time? The answer is complex and varied. We, as a country, need to innovate teaching and learning. We need to base our educational approaches and curricula on brain science. We need to look beyond published curriculums. And, we teachers need to get to know our students as more than just students. All of these things take time, money, and a great deal of resources of which our county is quick to say no to. This is the hard but important work I attempt to do everyday to help our children lead us into tomorrow, to be our global leaders, to make the world a safe and enjoyable place to live, and to be able to compete in the world they will inherit one day.
I am extremely passionate about educating our children who have been identified as gifted and talented. Some schools and districts offer magnet programming, but it is not supported by all YET. Some states support these types of learners, but it is far too few. These students NEED different curriculum, different strategies, different exposure to topics, different opportunities just as the typical special education student needs. Yes, the needs are different but that IS the point! Why aren’t more schools seeing and meeting this need? Join me in advocating for special education to go beyond what it is doing today. Help schools see that this is needed just as much. Let’s serve those on the other end of the bell curve with as much support as those on the low end. Speak up, speak often, speak loudly!
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