OPINION: Excellence Gap Growing as Attention for Gifted Students Dwindles

The following post was submitted by Best in Class Moorestown:

United States policymakers have focused on implementing state standards to ensure that students reach proficiency levels, particularly in reading and math.

Although proficiencies have improved across the nation the past several years, this focus on meeting new federal standards has let gifted students fall by the wayside.

A recent study released by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation graded states by rating their policies for academically talented children, and the results are nothing short of dismal. The majority of states received a D, and an A was not attained by a single state.

While this “excellence gap” between gifted students and the rest of the student body grows, it has become more imperative than ever that gifted students supplement their education with programs designed to help them reach their full potentials.

Students who are not adequately challenged can be just as detrimental to the education process as neglecting a child who needs help in one area or another. It is crucial to identify a gifted child as early as possible so that he or she can be tested for admission into a gifted program or begin working on coursework at a higher grade level to match his or her current learning capacity.

Common signs that a child may be academically gifted include the following:

• The child began writing and reading very early;
• Appears to have what most people would refer to as a photographic memory;
• Is highly critical of oneself; shows early signs of perfectionism;
• Has a keen eye for small details other children at the same grade level tend to miss;
• Is musically or artistically talented

If a child meets these criteria, it is important to pursue a professional assessment and determine the best course of action for the child’s educational future. Resources like Best in Class Education Center specialize in evaluating students’ strengths and weaknesses through individualized assessments.

If a child’s school offers a gifted program, select Best in Class Education Centers offer services to help him or her prepare for the gifted program acceptance exams. All locations provide a custom, supplemental curriculum that adheres to each student’s learning capacity.

Where students may not be receiving an adequate challenge through their daily coursework, Best in Class is able to supplement that education with assignments and practical exercises so that students can be prompted to reach full potential.

For more information about Best in Class services for your student, or about current franchising opportunities, visit www.bestinclasseducation.com or call toll-free at 1.888.683.8108.

Best in Class is targeting 20 additional units in 2015. The current team behind Best in Class is looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join this premier franchise family and ensure our youth will excel academically.

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