Before going into whether or not I support the authors' position in serving gifted and talented students, it is important to relate to what does this mean, well, acceleration is defined as an intervention program that moves students at faster rates by matching the academic level, complexity or pace of curriculum to the ability, readiness and motivation level of the student. This could be achieved by early entrance to school, grade-skipping, moving ahead in one or more subject area or taking Advanced Placement classes.
A "Nation Deceived" has been authored by three people who have collectively spent more than 100 years in education, and over 50 years of research to speak on the topic, they have committed their entire careers in helping the nation's students soar to where their minds and hearts can take them . I strongly support the need of providing accelerated academic programs to the gifted and talented, because in every state and every school be it in huge cities or small farm communities there are students who are ready for greater challenges than what the schools are able to provide.
These are students who are able to surprise their parents, grandparents and teachers by their unusual ability to read, write and do arithmetic much faster and better than their peers. But when they enter the school system, they are often frustrated and bored as they learn very little from what they have already learned. The schools are not able to provide them the challenge that keeps their spirits high and motivated. The system does not recognize their need for higher learning and advancement, instead shuts them down with a "no" for most of their inquisitiveness.
Many a times instead of letting them soar high and fly, they are forced to stay tied to their seats and stay where they are in the grade and intellectual level at the cost of a steady erosion of American excellence. If frequently these students are ignored and their challenges are not met, the desire for excellence will lose its vibrancy and will be replaced with complacence and apathy. As a nation "no" to excellence means lowering our national standards. With the present economic situation the challenge before the nation is not in average, mediocre students, but in those who can stay ahead of the world in all professional spheres to lead by example of providing excellence that can bring back the American pride of being a world leader.
The authors have brought about many myths and the first one states that "Acceleration is not an important issue because most students don't need it" as a teacher and educator it is just like saying " you don't need to know more, just learn what you are taught" the basic philosophy of education is to meet individual needs and does challenge educators to provide for that. Acceleration is a legitimate educational need of high ability students and should not be put on the shelves because of inadequate numbers, it might be that one student who could find a solution for "cancer cure".
Another important myth that caught my attention is that "Acceleration is for the wealthy" unfortunately, over the years race, color and wealth has always been projected as a deterrent for many good programs. This has affected the progress of the nation, fortunately talent cuts across all demographics; such as race, color, ethnicity, gender or socio economic backgrounds. The authors brought out a valid point that it is the students from modest homes that will benefit the most, as the wealthy will be able to provide extra opportunities to their children by moving them to private schools.
TEA's policies does compliment the acceleration program, however there is contradiction as far as the goal of Equity is concerned, the goal states: " The Equity in Gifted and Talented(GT) Education project is to encourage equitable representation of student populations in GT programs throughout the state. The author clearly states that fortunately the acceleration program cuts across all demographics and it is incorrect to look for equal representation, all needing the challenge should be provided the opportunity to reach higher goals, such view that there has to be equity will only create hurdles, a fair selection process that is able to identify the GT students and providing them the appropriate challenge should be the sole aim.
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