[Ailist] Gifted and Talented Programs in schools

[Roger Davies]

Hi everyone,

I wonder if any of you have any experience supporting gifted and talented
programs in schools. Specifically on a science and technology focus but
obviously not limited to that area. Like many districts ours is needing to
make budgetary cuts and these programs often take some of the load. I can
understand this from a general perspective of trying to be 'fair' or 'even
handed' with where cuts are made. However from the perspective of developing
and focusing upon a student's strengths I can see that such programs should
remain fully supported. Personally I think it is the purpose of our
education system (taking that broadly to mean the schools and the community
in which they operate) to help each student become the best they can be not
to educate everyone to an average level.

Does anyone have any evidence, experience, ideas about how best to secure
continued support for such programs? Not necessarily purely from the
school's budget.

I should add that I am also beginning to look into how such programs add
value to and integrate with the local community, local higher education and
local businesses. Any advice in those areas would also be gratefully
received.

Many thanks

Roger