The frequent equation of gifted programs with elitism is something I think about a lot. On the parenting section of the Prufrock Press site, I linked my way to this strongly stated article by Jim Delisle. We have one of his books on giftedness -- he's good with talking about how giftedness is a whole-person phenomenon, not just ability in one or more areas.

What do you think? While I wouldn't have written it quite so strongly myself, I can't find a lot to disagree with either.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Posted by Anonymous

and I admit to being an elitist too.

Although not in the given definition

- The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources.

I think gifted children need different treatment, not favored treatment. I think the kind of education gifted kids need would be "favored" compared to what is offered in most school to the average school child though.

I am so very pro-homeschooling though, for all children, because I think all children benefit from an individualized education.

The way we homeschool - do some subjects at home just with me, some classes taught by private tutors, some classes Z is accelerated with older kids, others are mixed age group classes, some learning is done with a friend at a museum or nature center, etc I handpick all the learning experiences and move on if something doesn't work. You just can't do that in a traditional school setting.

• Permanent Link

Posted by Sarah

I agreed with everything he said. I do think putting the words "elitist" and "gifted" together in an article is going to be like dynamite, and there would be many people - including those in the gifted community - who would see those words and switch off. There really is such a strong belief out there that all children are gifted. It seems to be part of the current social climate that does not allow for winners. Or, that is to say, everyone is a winner. Everyone has to feel good about themselves and perfectly equal to everyone else. Everyone has to get an award at the end of the race, no one is allowed to be told they did a good painting (you can say what parts you like about the painting, or that the child obviously put alot of effort into it, or ask them what they think, but you are not allowed to say you like it). I have always been against this ridiculous political correctness. I have read that too much sense of positive entitlement is what makes criminals, rather than people feeling bad about themselves or frustrated with their situation.

Unfortunately, children grow up and go into the real world, compete for jobs, and realise with a shock that not everyone wins after all.

When you have a gifted child the political correctness becomes quite oppressive. It is particularly bad in schools, where massive effort is put into homogenising the children. I'll never forget what one principal told my dd, when we expressed doubts that she'd do well in a K class - "you are smart in some ways, and other children are smart in other ways, and you'll all teach each other and be smart together!" That shows no comprehension of the real issues of giftedness at all.

I think the problem lies with the term "gifted". If it was called something less elitist, it would probably be better accepted (but not perfectly so).

• Permanent Link

Posted by Anonymous

I just went to a seminar where Jim Delisle was the speaker. It was excellent! He has a new book out about parenting and another coming soon - one with quotes from gifted kids. His talk was very inspirational. One of the things it made me think about is how hiding your child's giftedness really doesn't help to "normalize" them to the mainstream and makes advocacy more difficult. He compared the advocacy efforts of parents with disabled children and how they eventually took a stand and demanded appropriate educational options for their kids.

When we are afraid to even mention the "G" word it makes advocacy difficult. I am wondering how I can change what I do to help the gifted community.

Cher Mere

• Permanent Link

Posted by Anonymous

This article WAS worded very strongly, but I can't say that I really would have changed anything. It's all pretty true :-) It was interesting to hear him attack MI theory - that is so widely accepted these days.

His talk made me rethink advocacy too, Cher Mere. I suddenly feel the need to DO something to change the situation for more than just my child. But what?

Jaime
kaytlingrace.com

• Permanent Link