Dispelling the myths around gifted education
How often have you heard, “Gifted students will do fine on their own?” This is just one of the many myths that become barriers to properly educating millions of high-potential students. The following is a list of the most prevalent myths in gifted education, accompanied by evidence rebutting each of them.
Let's ensure that all kids have access to gifted programs in Illinois
As a parent of three young children in Chicago Public Schools, I’m starting to get nervous.
How tracking can raise the test scores of high-ability minority students
David GriffithBy David Griffith
Challenges to the pursuit of equity in excellence
A recent report showing low levels of participation by black, Hispanic, and low-income students in the gifted and talented programs of Montgomery County underscores the significant challenges befo
High-potential students thrive when school districts develop sustainable gifted services
The goal of gifted programs should reflect that of any other educational program: to engage students with appropriately challenging curricula and instruction on a daily basis and in all relevant content areas so that they can make continual academic growth.
One size may fit most, but certainly not the gifted and talented
Last fall, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) published a working paper by researchers Thomas S. Dee and Hans Henrik Sieversten titled The Gift of Time? School Starting Age and Mental Health. The well-developed study quantifies the effects of predicating enrollment in formal schooling on the mental health of students.
Leaving talent on the table: Fixing gifted education in America
Talk is cheap.For decades, elected officials, education leaders, and others have consumed much oxygen talking about the challenges facing our nation from countries doing a much better job developing their academic talent.Despite this the reality is that we have largely failed to address this concern as many of our most talented children are being overlooked and uncultivated.
Evaluating the Content and Quality of Next Generation Assessments
Evaluating the Content and Quality of Next Generation Assessments examines previously unreleased items from three multi-state tests (ACT Aspire, PARCC, and Smarter Balanced) and one best-in-class state assessment, Massachusetts’ state exam (MCAS). The product of two years of work by the Thomas B.
Breaking the artificial ceilings we place over gifted and talented children
On January 23, the Economist sent a clear warning to world leaders about the ways that “governments are systematically preventing [youth] from reaching their potential.” In the article “Young, gifted and held back,” authors point to many polici
The NAEP is falling edition
Petrilli and Pondiscio discuss the fallen NAEP scores, debate the meaning of Obama’s pledge to reduce testing, and ponder school dress codes. Amber takes a look at NAEP’s alignment with Common Core math.
The Star Wars edition
Intel’s withdrawal of its Science Talent Search sponsorship, the legitimacy of the “Asian advantage,” charter school policy’s importance to voters, and principals’ opinions of Teach For America alumni.
The "Genius" edition
A suburban college readiness gap, rethinking the high school graduation age, fracking’s effect on male dropout rates, and racial density in high schools.
The Emmy edition
Catholic schools and the Pope’s stateside visit, Bill de Blasio’s pre-K enrollment efforts, STEM education for gifted kids, and KIPP’s successful scale-up.
Failing Our Brightest Kids: The Global Challenge of Educating High-Ability Students
Chester E. Finn, Jr., Brandon L. WrightIn Failing Our Brightest Kids, Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Brandon L. Wright argue that for decades, the United States has focused too little on preparing students to achieve at high levels.
Four lessons from the opt-out debate
Robert PondiscioTest refusals may force reformers to rethink their priorities. Robert Pondiscio
Trust, but verify
Robert PondiscioThe era of judging New York City Schools on academics is over. Robert Pondiscio
A test of education reform
The testing “opt-out” movement is testing education reform’s humility.
Getting College and Career Ready During State Transition Toward the Common Core State Standards
Jane SongPromising early signs that the standards are working. Jane Song
Wanna opt out of tests? Try this instead
Robert PondiscioParents should use the threat of test refusal to demand a well-rounded education for their kids.
Review: Brookings analyzes opt-outs and teacher evaluations
Jessica PoinerWhat is the critical mass of opt-outs and to what might it lead?
Equal Talents, Unequal Opportunities: A Report Card on State Support for Academically Talented Low-Income Students
Michelle LernerNo state does right by its “high flyers,” and most do an awful lot wrong. Michelle Lerner
What Works in Gifted Education: Documenting the Effects of an Integrated Curricular/Instructional Model for Gifted Students
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.Another good idea limited by flawed assessments. Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
Opting out, race, and reform
Robert PondiscioArne Duncan was half right about those “white suburban moms.” Robert Pondiscio
Ten arguments against Common Core presidential hopefuls should avoid
Tim ShanahanAn open letter to the candidates. Tim Shanahan
Bless the tests: Three reasons for standardized testing
Aaron ChurchillIt takes more than a "gut feeling" to know how a school is doing
Using equity reports to drive school improvement in D.C.
When we talk about high standards, accountability, and school choice, one essential element is often overlooked: giving parents and education leaders information they can actually use. It’s one thing to produce data, but quite another to make it useful—easily understood, comparable, and actionable.
The state-led ESEA compromise
A few weeks ago, I used a graphic to show the four dimensions of federal accountability, each of which has a range of options. I then used this graphic to show the consensus for preserving NCLB testing.
Life in the Fast Lane: Effects of Early Grade Acceleration on High School and College Outcomes
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.Kids who skip grades stay ahead of the pack. Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.