Few U.S. citizens would agree to cutting special education funds. After all, students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) obviously learn differently and need increased time and attention from educators in order to ensure they are attending to and learning the academic standards. However, another group of students who learn differently and need time and attention to guide their learning of the academic standards are being denied this year. These are the gifted students.
According to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Policy Insider, the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee met to draft the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget for the Department of Education. Although the budget has increased 3.2% since FY 2010, the budget completely eliminates the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Student program. “The 20 year-old Javits program is the only federal program that supports the unique learning needs of America’s three million students with gifts and talents.”
Portland schools may not feel an immediate impact from the loss of the Javits Program. However, this program provides scholarships to the disadvantaged gifted student and research support in the area of effective instructional practices for these students who learn differently than their peers.
The long-term effects of a research vacuum may not show up until several years and students later. It could manifest itself in many ways – lack of professional development, less effective teaching, lower student achievement, and higher dropout rates. Can Portland or the nation afford such a risk?
If you are interested in advocating for the funding of special education and gifted education, use this tool from the CEC to assist you with contacting your representative or senator.
Comments
Well written article! That's one thing that got me more involved with the school district here, seemed like there was not much concern for the gifted students' program. I'm concerned that if we don't challenge them & instead just concentrate on getting the "bubble" kids to make AYP, our brightest kids might not achieve their full potential & lead our country on the global scene. I sent a letter to my Senators, modifying the form letter from the CEC site. Thanks for bringing awareness on this subject!
Every policy has intended and unintended consequences. Intense focus on one group to the exclusion of another group is so common in US history.
http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_the_child_driven_education.html
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