-
Binet-Simon
French researchers developed a series of tests designed to quantify an individual's level of intelligence. Their aim was to identify and separate children with low intelligence into special classrooms. In 1915, Louis Terman at Stanford Uiveristy, adapted this into the Stanford-Binet intelligence quotient (IQ) test. For decades, IQ scores were the primary measure for grouping children as special needs, normal, or gifted. Terman and Hollingworth (1925) both used IQ 135 as a qualification. -
The Lewis Terman Study at Standford University
Lewis Terman began a study in 1921 that still continues today. He selected 1,500 boys and girls from California who had IQs of at least 135. The study, originally planned for 10 years, has continued past Terman's own death, studying the life paths of its subjects. It has yielded a wealth of data and published research, particularly the 5 volume work "Genetic Studies of Genius," published over a period of 40 years, begining in 1925. -
Special Opportunity Class, P.S. 165, New York City
Leta S. Hollingworth began a special class for gifted students in a New York city school. She used the Stanford-Binet scale from Terman's to identify students, but with the goal of education rather than study. Her teaching and research, at P.S. 165 and later at the Speyer School (P.S. 500, founded 1936) produced over 40 research articles and the first textbook in the field, "Gifted Children: Their Nature and Nurture" (1926). Her life's work still influences gifted education today. -
National Association of Gifted Children
The National Association of Gifted Children has been supporting gifted children, leading research, and helping to prepare teachers ever since. In 1998, NAGC puglished the a set of program standards to guide for PreK-12 instruction. In 2006, they published standards for gifted teacher preparation (updated 2013). They offer information and publications to parents and administrators. In addition to professional development, they help train advocates for the gifted. -
National Defense Education Act
In the 1950s, the US entered the period of intense competition with the Soviet Union known as the Cold War. When the USSR launched Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, it created a near panic. In1958, Eisenhower called for improving education specifically in order to meet US defense needs, and commited the Federal Goverment to funding programs -- including programs for the gifted. -
A Nation Deceived: How School's Hold Back America's Brightest Students
This national, research-based report was published by the University of Iowa. It conclusively debunks the popular myth that acceleration is bad for the social development of gifted students, and it summarizes the benefits, costs and positive effects of different options for acceleration. A ten-year follow-up study, "A Nation Empowered," was published in 2015.
