History of Gifted Education

By aelaine

  • Intelligence Scale

    Intelligence Scale
    Lewis M. Termnan adapted the Binet-Simon French intelligence scale in the US, achieving a method to assess children [and adults] and their academic capabilities. This event led to several other educators, Hollingworth for one, to utilize this tool to the best of their abilities.

  • Cold War

    Cold War
    Sputnik was launched in the Soviet Union. This event ignited the United States to implement advanced coursework and programs in classrooms across the nation. This was one of the first opportunities high-ability students had to have above-average classes never offered before, to obtain early college admittance, and to embrace studies that had otherwise been sparse or non-existent.

  • SMPY

    SMPY
    Julian Stanley created SMPY (Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth), a longitudinal diagnostic survey to identify 7th-grade gifted youth who scored exceptionally high on the SATs. Now called the CTY (Center for Talented Youth), tens of thousands of children enroll in summer programs that cater specifically to gifted youth.

  • Assessment

    Assessment
    The Marland definition of giftedness evolved. This five-category conception of general intellectual ability, academic aptitude, creative/productive thinking, leadership ability/potential, or arts ability/potential, is still used by many school districts today.

  • USDE

    USDE
    The United States Department of Education began funding the Javits Act. The Javits Act gave 3-5 year federal grants to educational entities that identified programs, curriculums, and assessments for gifted education. These opportunities to focus on gifted education helped educators and students until the Act was dismantled 25 years later.

  • Into the Future

    Into the Future
    The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB), giving states flexibility in accountability and assessment. Unfortunately, neither national act benefits the gifted learner. “…even today, in 2017, a national or federal policy for gifted education does not exist in the United States” (American Policy In Gifted in Education). Gifted education must be supported nationally - these students deserve an educational environment that embraces their abilities and talents.