Gifted and IDEA: Charter Schools Won’t Solve the Gifted Debate
Even though gifted is listed as a special education category, Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) never adequately addressed it. Intellectually advanced students are complex, not always easy to understand. They need and deserve school support.
Much debate surrounds gifted education. But charter schools will not be a sufficient answer to concerns.
Some gifted students are twice exceptional (2e), meaning they identify as gifted, but also struggle with learning disabilities. Most charter schools do not effectively serve students with disabilities, so 2e students might be left out.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has a panel considering eliminating New York City schools for the gifted. They claim this will desegregate schools.
NYC’s gifted programs have been different than most school districts. They’ve aggressively screened four-year-old children, mostly Asian and white. This raises concerns about fairness and elitism. NYC is said to have more segregated schools than any city.
The Mayor’s suggestion for magnet schools might be worthwhile. But one hopes there’s CONTINUE READING: Gifted and IDEA: Charter Schools Won’t Solve the Gifted Debate
