Support Building for Renewed Focus On Gifted Education

By Joetta L. Sack

Washington

Education for gifted and talented students could receive a renewed focus and a big increase in authorized funding through revisions to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act now being considered in Congress.

Both the House and Senate versions of the ESEA reauthorization bill contain provisions to create a new state grant program focused on gifted students. The formula-based block grants would pay for local activities such as professional development for teachers, classroom programs, and distance learning.

"This is the first time Congress is really recognizing the needs of these children and saying to states, 'You have to do something,'" said Peter D. Rosenstein, the executive director of the Washington-based National...