Exceptionally High Intelligence and Schooling

Exceptionally intelligent children differ qualitatively from their peers and often are socially isolated and underchallenged in the classroom. Research on educational options for these children shows existing programs to be effective. Little money is spent in the United States on education for gifted children, and distribution of special programs varies widely, with nonurban areas and disadvantaged children being the least likely to receive special services and with the most common option being the weakest one-the pullout program. There is a growing movement to disband existing programs. Instead of calling for more of the existing programs, it is argued that first, standards should be elevated for all children. Those children who still remain underchallenged should then receive advanced classes in their domain of ability. Thus, fewer children would be identified as being in need of special services, and those identified would be the more profoundly gifted children who would receive the strongest kind of intervention.