Here are some interesting findings from NAGC’s “State of the States” report regarding gifted students…

Is American Education Neglecting Gifted Children? — THE Journal

“Some of the findings included:

- A full fourth of states provided zero funding for programs and resources for gifted students last year;

- In states that did provide funding, there was little consistency, with per-pupil expenditures ranging from $2 to $750 last year;

- Only five states require professional development for teachers who work in gifted programs;

- Only five require any kind preparation for these teachers;

- Gifted students spend most of their time in general classrooms and receive little specialized instruction;

- Key policies are handled at the district level, when there are policies in place at all, rather than at the state level, creating ‘the potential for fractured approaches and limits on funding’;

- There is no coherent national strategy for dealing with gifted students.”

(Via T.H.E. Journal.)

I personally know that one of the things I need to work on the most as an educator is making sure to consistently differentiate my instruction in such a way that challenges gifted learners.