History of Gifted Education

William Torrey Harris created the first system to educate gifted students.

1868

This event is important because this was the first time there was a system put in place to provide enrichment learning opportunities for gifted students. I imagine education was very standardized at this time and this was the beginning of differentiating education to meet the needs of gifted students.

Lewis Terman publishes the Stanford-Binet, intelligence testing

1916

This is important because there is now a test to determine which students are gifted. This universal identification process helped create a standard for giftedness. This would be the first step in identifying the qualities of gifted children. This knowledge will help educators learn what gifted means and who is gifted- the first step in supporting their learning.

Leta Hollingworth publishes Gifted Children: Their Nature and Nurture.

1926

This event is important because it seems like there is an ever-running debate on the role of genetics and environment in child being qualified as gifted.This was the first text book to explore this idea and thus the catalyst on this discussion. This information is invaluable to educators so they can learn the background on how students become gifted.

Brown vs. the Board of Education ends “separate but equal education.” 1957

1954

This court case was monumental in education. I think it is the first discussion into what is truly equal. Those schools were not equal. This begun the discussion about equality vs. equity which plays a vital role in gifted education. Gifted students receiving the same education as their peers doesn't meet their needs.

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is passed and changes the definition of gifted and talented students.

2002

This is important because the monumental education act stated that there needs to be programs beyond the normal education programs to support gifted learners. This puts into writing that gifted and talented students need structures put into place so their needs are met in our public education system.

NAGC publishes national gifted education standards

2006

This event is important because there are now standards specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted students. The standards are very important to teachers because they now have a guide on what they should be teaching to meet the needs of their students. This also will help ensure all gifted students are receiving equitable opportunities because the expectations are written out.