Love2Learn

In an interview with Ms. Varghese, she made a comment similar to Jamie M Kautz's about it being our responsibility as educators to provide needed support for all levels of students. In the same way, there is extra support for students who have difficulty learning, there should also be support for students who excel in the academic atmosphere.  " In a general education class, there are the exceptional students, students who are at grade level, and then students who are below grade level. In Georgia, certain schools have implemented an EIP. Early Intervention Program targets students performing below 35%. There are teachers supporting these students within the classroom or at times pulled out to provide instruction and any skills that the students have not mastered.  In the same sense, students who are highly performing above the 95% rank should also have opportunities for personalized instruction where higher skills are introduced and taught ."

  Dear Gifted Program Advocates, What is the gifted program? According to the  National Association for Gifted Children website , " Students with gifts and talents perform—or have the capability to perform—at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential."  While searching for advocate groups of the Gifted Program in public schools, I came across this one group of about 50 adults, who back in 2013 banded together to become a voice for the gifted students in their community, forming The Washington County Association.  "A group of concerned adults, parents, and teachers have been working for months to organize the Washington County Association for Gifted Children and affiliate it with the Utah Association for Gifted Children."  They support the Utah Association for Gifted Children and perform such tasks as plannin

As you have probably guessed, Clint Barton is not this commenter's true identity. He is, however, someone I respect in the academic sphere of influence.  He points out that when students are the forgotten children of a nasty divorce, nobody turns out the winner, and I have to agree. His suggestion that it is "not uncommon for students to develop misguided perceptions about their abilities" is a sound argument given that students abilities are all based of what his former mentor called "four letter words."     I encourage you to look below in the "Is This the Slow Death of Gifted and Honors Classes in Education" post and read his full comment with my conclusion. He hits the target with deadly precision. (Sorry! I couldn't resist!) "This is all-too-common; many ideological disputes about how to level the educational playing field result in academic rifts. Much like in a marital divorce, those who get hurt the most by these rifts are those whom b

An Argument For Gifted Programs Nancy Varghese is an 18-year veteran educator who currently works at a state approved charter elementary school in Georgia. Their Gifted Program is for any qualifying student grades K-5. I asked her if she would be willing for me to ask her some questions about their program. Here is what she said: What is your name?   My name is Nancy Varghese How long have you been an educator?  18 years Where do you work? I work at a state approved charter elementary school in Georgia . What grade levels are in your school? K-5 Does your school have a Gifted Program? Yes, for K-5 Could you define and explain what a Gifted Program is?   The gifted program targets who are exceptional in their studies performing at the higher 95% of their classes . Do you feel that the Gifted Program is beneficial to students who are in the program?  The skills in the gifted program may benefit the varied higher skills  Do you feel that the students who are not in the pro

I asked a Montessori educator, Stephanie Hagwood, what her opinion about gifted classes is. While she would prefer that all students could get the specialized instruction and smaller classes offered, she also understands that there are limitations school systems are working with. She points out that students are all at different "levels" and should be granted the education that is best suited for each students' needs, and that by taking away the gifted programs the students' individual needs are being not only overlooked but disregarded. If you want to read the rest of her thoughts, check it out in the comments under the post "Is this the Slow Death of Gifted and Honors Classes in Education?" below.  " These actions also completely disregard the need for more individualized education curriculums in all classrooms... ex IEP's and the MANY different approaches to education we know can benefit children on the spectrum that is expanding every day. And y

To the Death of My Potential What could have been, can no longer be because of others perceived below me. Cut one down, instead of build one up, strangle one, instead of filling a cup. I am unseen, unheard, forgotten my potential lays dormant, turning rotten. I see my goal, what could have been when I was challenged. Remember when? The knee on my neck of uniformity. How dare I soar away from conformity? Boredom makes me lose motivation I will scream if I write one more citation. Caged in, wings clipped, bound. My heart slows ... pound ..... pound ....... pound.