Two Wrongs Do Not Make a Right: Sacrificing the Needs of Gifted Students Does Not Solve Society's Unsolved Problems

Abstract

Gifted students in our nation's schools are being denied needed services because enrollment of underserved minorities in special classes is typically disproportionate. This disproportionality is a direct result of long-standing social inequities and the consequences of poverty. We are punishing the innocent for the sins of a society that has been unable to conquer these problems. A number of well-intentioned remedies have been attempted, but we need to take care that we do not, in the name of fairness, detract from the availability or effectiveness of the programs we have. An action agenda is proposed that may improve matters; but, in the meantime, the author urges that we not abandon rigorous efforts to serve academically advanced children, whatever their backgrounds.