Talented And Gifted » Gifted Education

Stimulating Gifted Education?

Troy — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:27:56 +0000

On Special Education: A Glimmer for Gifted

A Glimmer for Gifted

Schools and the Stimulus
I have wondered if there’s anything in the stimulus bill that offers assistance for students with gifts and talents. Unlike Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, there is no federal mandate for gifted programs. Instead, the cost of gifted education is borne by the states.

The Importance of Being Prepared

Troy — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:40:25 +0000

I think it is a bad policy for a school district to always spend 100% of its revenue. If a district operates without a surplus during times of economic growth, whenever the economy enters a recession, the district won’t have funds to supplement reduced income. When funds aren’t available, a district (or a state) becomes a headline.

Funding for gifted students summer program cut in 2010 state budget — baltimoresun.com

Iowa Independent: In Wake of NCLB, Gifted Students at Risk of Being Left Behind

Troy — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:00:08 +0000

Those of us involved in any gifted education program (parents, administrators, or facilitators) have known this for a while: NCLB IS BAD. As more mainstream media outlets catch on, we’re going to see more articles like the one at the Iowa Indepdendent. As this issue becomes more public, legislators and school administrators across will be [...]

Gifted Education Funding Changes in Florida

Troy — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:23:55 +0000

October 23, 2007: Tampabay.com has an article about a proposed state bill that would require districts to be more open about how much money is being spent on gifted education.This is a good sign of things to come for gifted education. It always seems like states wait until a program is successful, and then they copy it. We should all hope that other states will pass similar legislation. In most (almost all?) states, gifted education funding is just part of general special education funding. It would be nice to have a specific amount earmarked for gifted education.

The process by which the bill is being developed is rather unique, as well. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. John Legg, is working with various parent groups to ensure that the bill is adequate and meets the needs of gifted families. More state legislators should follow his lead and reach out to their constituents for input and feedback. For many legislators, it’s just lip-service. It’s nice to see someone actually put that idea into practice.

It also underscores the importance of parents being involved in their child’s education. It’s one thing to attend sporting events, parent/teacher conferences, and concerts. But it’s another thing entirely to arrange special meetings with principals, superintendents, and board members to voice concerns.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead