Giving Gifted Students a Voice: A Proposal to Extend United States Education Policy Allowing Students to Challenge the Appropriateness of their Education*

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2853_3.1.140

Authors: Yee Han Chu and Bradley K. Myers

Abstract:

The legislatures and the courts of the United States have historically deferred to local education authorities in making decisions concerning the proper method to provide education to students. Unfortunately, this deference appears to be misplaced with regards to the education of gifted students. Research shows that these students fail to perform at the level commiserate with their potential and face a variety of psychosocial challenges associated with their intellectual ability. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides a template for procedural rights that should be extended to the parents of gifted children. Giving parents the right to participate in the educational planning for their children and an independent arbiter to mediate disputes will provide them with the tools necessary to ensure the receipt of an appropriate education.

Keywords: gifted students, education, learning styles, schools, underachievement