Victoria Moore
11/13/2022
EDU 651
Many major events have contributed to the current state of the gifted program in America. Some
have played a beneficial role, while others have played a detrimental role. Of those major events,
one event resonated with me more than the others. I was a gifted student who received services
from 2nd grade throughout high school, of African American descent, and born and raised in a
rural area. The rate at which the underserved population in gifted education is growing is
alarming. I have been an educator for the past 17 years. Of those 17 years, I have only seen the
gifted program implemented at one of the 4 schools I have taught at. There were soo many, and
will be many more, students who need the services, but because of cutbacks, the programs are
non-existent. What a major disservice to our children!
Over the years I have witnessed the decline of the gifted program, specifically in rural,
impoverished areas. The schools do not readily meet the academic requirements needed to
receive adequate funding, so they cut certain programs. Areas that are indicative of cultural
majority continue to receive the opportunity to be participants in gifted programs. Another aspect
of this issue is the underrepresentation of gifted students with disabilities, impairments, and
handicaps. Females who have an ability in mathematics and science are also a part of this group.
There are ways to implement the program in schools that have a predominantly minority student
base. More consideration should be given to assess the abilities/needs of these students.
Overall, this has proven to be an unfair educational experience for students who are unable to
receive this service because of where they live, who they are, and their disabilities. There are
numerous opportunities being missed because of this. We have the No Child Left Behind Act
that penalizes schools for not improving, but claims to be in place for the benefit for students in
Title I schools. If this is the case, then where are the gifted programs and other programs that
students need and are entitled to? There are many talents and skillsets not being fully developed
because there is nothing in place to guide and challenge students.
Our biggest challenges today in gifted education are: (1) ensuring ALL students are able to
receive gifted services, (2) challenging gifted students, (3) assessing students with tests that are
reflective of not only their obvious academic abilities, but their potential abilities as well, and (4)
changing what “gifted” entails. These are trivial areas that need our immediate attention and
response. I know that being a part of the gifted program helped me become the person I am
today. Imagine what it can do for students now with all the resources and technology available.