Gifted and Talented

For John, BLUF:  In the name of equity and equality we are dumbing down the education of our youth.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Pitt students want to 'abolish' their community's elementary gifted program

Here is the sub-headline:

• The Pitt News Editorial Board recently published a piece in support of abolishing local elementary gifted programs.
• According to the piece, the gifted program intellectually and racially 'segregates students.'
• Members of the Pittsburgh community share mixed viewpoints about what such a change would mean for their community.

From Campus Reform, by Correspondent Logan Dubil, 29 October 2021, 8:55 AM.

Here is the lede plus two:

The Editorial Board of the University of Pittsburgh student paper recently published an article calling to get rid of the gifted program in surrounding schools.

“The gifted program segregates students — sometimes based on IQ tests conducted at an early age.  The program is deeply flawed, encourages students to unnecessarily compete against each other academically and often ends up leaving behind students of color.  It is time for Pittsburgh to follow New York’s example and eliminate the gifted program from local school districts,” claims the piece.

The paper published the piece in light of New York City mayor Bill de Blasio’s recent decision to remove elementary school based gifted programs over the next five year period, saying "Pittsburgh should be next."

I did poorly in elementary school, and not all that well in high school (junior high school was my period of shining).  Even so, I found that the brighter students, who surged ahead of me, did help me and my learning, both in school and after school.  Their interests and learning helped to spur me on and made me a better student.  My prime example is Lloyd Davis, who lived at the end of town in Wenonah, NJ.  His interest in science helped spur my interest in science.  Hold him back, even if only by not pushing him on, would seem to be the opposite of encouraging education.

This is a bad idea.  If you see no other indicztor, remember tht New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is backing it.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff