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William Torrey Harris began the first organized attempt to teach gifted students in public schools.
William Torrey Harris was the superintendent of public schools for St. Louis. He was the most well known philosopher and public educator during the 19th century. He believed in educating all American children at a higher level.
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The Benet-Simon intelligence test was created.
This was the first IQ test and was developed to find children with lower intelligence and put them in separate classes from children with normal intelligence. This test was then used for all children, and later to identify gifted children.
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Brown vs. the Board of Education
This Supreme Court case ended "separate but equal education". Before this time children were made to go to all black or all white schools. While the schools were supposed to be equal, they were not. This case allowed black students to attend better schools with better programs.
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The Soviet Union launches Sputnik.
This event made the United States rethink their schooling and put a lot of money into identify gifted students who would benefit from programs with advanced math, science, and technology.
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The National Defense Education Act passed.
After the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the U.S. felt they needed better education, specifically in math, science, and technology. The NDEA was signed by President Eisenhower and called for the federal government to have a large role in education. -
The Civil Rights Act passes.
The Civil Rights Act ended segregation which allowed equal opportunities in all areas, including education. This Act was signed by President President Lyndon Johnson.
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The Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act is passed by Congress.
This Act is the only federal program specifically designed for gifted and talented students. This programs supports educators and administrators of gifted children. The program is funded by Congress. -
NAGC published gifted standards for pre-k through 12th grade.
These gifted standards guide teachers on how to service gifted students. Teachers of gifted children need standards that address the needs of their students, not just standards at a higher level.
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