Leaving Gifted Students Behind: The misplaced public policy of deference to local officials in the public schools of the United States.

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3809_LRPP13.19

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. Legislation should be redrafted and courts should alter their presumptions when it comes to assessing whether educational authorities have fulfilled their obligations to provide gifted students with an appropriate education.

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