Failing Our Brightest Kids: The Global Challenge of Educating High-Ability Students

 

In their new book, Failing Our Brightest Kids, Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Brandon L. Wright argue that America’s efforts to educate high-ability students have fallen dramatically short. This is especially true for talented low-income youngsters, who too often miss out on the opportunity to develop their talents.
 

Policymakers have given plenty of attention over the past twenty years to low achievers, but almost none to those students who are already above the bar of "proficiency." This neglect is starting to show: In the most recent PISA scores, the United States ranks thirtieth in math and twenty-second in science. If we don’t invest in our brightest kids, we can expect a pretty dismal future—and so can far too many kids.

 

Panelists:
Harold Levy
Executive Director, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation 

 

Jack R. Smith, Ph.D.
Maryland Interim State Superintendent of Schools

 

Brother Brian Carty, FSC
President and Teacher, De La Salle Academy 

Brandon L. Wright
Managing Editor, Thomas B. Fordham Institute
Co-author, Failing Our Brightest Kids 

Moderator:
Chester E. Finn, Jr.
President Emeritus, Thomas B. Fordham Institute
Co-author, Failing Our Brightest Kids