Gifted Children

I was part of a conversation this evening in a group of intelligent women who are in a writing critique group. The conversation turned to gifted children. I feel strongly about this subject and spoke my mind. It wasn't the politically correct thing to say in this group.

I believe strongly that all children have the RIGHT to be taught at their level. Yes, social interaction is important but each child has the right legally in Oregon to have an education which develops his/her potential in the classroom. This is not being done for gifted children. Most gifted children are skipped or left to assume duties of the teacher or allowed to be bored. More attention is paid to the lower end of the IQ scale than to the greatest potential in gifted children. It's a national tragedy. It's a global tragedy. I should write about how gifted children are destroyed every day in public schools.

If a child is bored and active, many schools recommend medication. Medication should never be used on a child whose brain isn't developed. Just read about the research of Dr. Daniel Ammen and the brain! Many teachers in the past have skipped kids, which isn't the answer either. Play is important. Being around kids your own age is important too. Still......children have the RIGHT to learn at their level.

The State of Oregon has a law that says all children have the right to learn at their own level. Too much time is wasted in the classroom with bored kids who must put up with nonsense and baby stuff. It's unfair to put labels on these kids which makes them less than they are. All children should be allowed to bloom and reach their potential without labels. Is it easy for teachers to have to feel responsible to teach the wide range of potential in a classroom? No. Do I sympathize? Yes. However, it is still the RIGHT of the child to learn at their level--their LEGAL right, their moral right.