The Strange Past and Messy Future of 'Gifted and Talented.' Bootstraps, Ep. 3 (Encore Episode)
Jul 23, 2024
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Delve into the history of 'gifted and talented' programs in schools, from Lewis Terman's legacy to the debate on equity. Explore the evolution of views on gifted children, from anti-social to valuable resources. Unpack the complexities of identifying and supporting gifted individuals, addressing disparities and the struggle for equal opportunities.
Gifted education programs have a complex history rooted in the work of Louis Terman and the concept of intelligence testing.
Current debates in gifted education emphasize the need for more equitable access to programs, addressing disparities based on race and socio-economic status.
Deep dives
Origins of Gifted and Talented Programs
Gifted and talented programs in schools have a long history, originating from the work of Louis Terman in the early 20th century. Terman, known for creating the modern IQ test, believed that smart children were often misunderstood and saw them as a valuable resource for society.
The Terman Study of the Gifted
Louis Terman conducted a groundbreaking longitudinal study tracking over 1,400 gifted individuals over time. This study, known as the Terman Study of the Gifted, was a revolutionary approach that provided insights into the lives of highly intelligent individuals from childhood into adulthood.
Controversy and Criticism of Terman
Despite his contributions to gifted education, Terman's views faced criticism for their racial biases and eugenicist beliefs. His exclusion of low-income schools in testing and emphasis on hereditary intelligence raised concerns about equity and diversity in gifted programs.
Equity Issues in Gifted Education
Current debates in gifted education highlight disparities in the identification and access to programs based on race and socio-economic status. Efforts to address these issues face challenges, including concerns about segregation and calls for more equitable identification processes.
Sometime early in elementary school, kids are put on one of two paths: regular or gifted. Where did this idea come from? The answer goes back more than a 100 years, to a once-famous scholar named Lewis Terman. And it turns out his legacy, and the future of gifted programs, are still very much under debate. This first ran in 2021.
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