Reading Reaction Journal # 2

Smart Kids: Why Do Schools Stigmatize “Gifted Children”?

Reference

Bennett, Paul W. (2010, November 26). Smart Kids: Why Do Schools Stigmatize “Gifted Children”? Posted in Higher Standards, Gifted Education. Retrieved March 30, 2011, from http://educhatter.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/smart-kids-why-do-schools-stigmatize-gifted-children/

Summary

          This article discusses school’s denouncing talented children. The author mentioned that( the beginning of )gifted education started in the 1950s when the intelligent kids were determined and put in isolated classes with various names after 1958. Many articles were written to explain this topic, but they did little more than promote the presenting conception about gifted system. Also, the author said that he was bothered by the “one - size - first - all"  conception of public education although he studied in the same system; he discovered during working in his new book that Michael B. Katz  noticed the influence of social class on Canada’s  public education and identified  some class facts which caused increasing new bureaucratic education. The article showed that researchers have different views about gifted children, and the parents seeking to prove the talent of their children. This is proved by the Globe Life polls which were made on Nov. 11 and Nov. 15, 2010. Despite conflicting views on this thread, 73%of the parents prefer to enroll their children in this program. Moreover, the author pointed out that children need for outlets to adapt their mental talents in some areas such as Toronto’s Forest Hill. In addition, the article stated that public education is criticized by some American critics because some of them believe that the public school is obligatory factor for the students and their teachers. Finally, the author pointed out that although some parents cannot pay for expensive gifted programs, no other options are available. 

Reaction

          This is the first time that I read about Gifted Children. It is very thorny and sensitive subject. I knew from this article that this topic has an old history and various views between people as well as researchers .I think  the gifted child is the child who shows remarkable performance in the academic dimensions .Also, he or she excels in one or more of the following: general intellectual ability, special academic readiness, creative ability, leadership ability, and ability in the performing arts-visual. I think he or she needs the service and program which is not normally offered by the school because this student outnumbers his or her colleagues in the ordinary rate of acquiring information since outperforms their knowledge is different from ordinary. I believe the gifted or superior student needs to the permanent care, encouragement, enlightenment, and advice that helped him to develop his talent.  I reviewed the comment of jtc, and I was surprised at her saying that the system of the gifted child is ridiculous. She also talked about negative feelings of the ordinary children towards the gifted child. Perhaps this is true, but this is not a convincing reason to neglect the smart kids. Talented people in the conscious communities enjoy special recognition; this reflects the bright image of those communities that transcends their intelligence, raises their status, and develops their abilities. It is important to exercise caution in the identification and classification of gifted because the wrong classification often leads to killing the talents of children who are neglected for one reason or another.