Position Statement
MANDATED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) periodically issues policy statements dealing with issues, policies, and practices that have an impact on the education of gifted and talented students. Policy statements represent the official convictions of the organization.
All policy statements approved by the NAGC Board of Directors are consistent with the organization's belief that education in a democracy must respect the uniqueness of all individuals, the broad range of cultural diversity present in our society, and the similarities and differences in learning characteristics that can be found within any group of students. NAGC is fully committed to national goals that advocate both excellence and equity for all students, and we believe that the best way to achieve these goals is through differentiated educational opportunities, resources, and encouragement for all students.
NAGC supports mandating services to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented children.
Numerous studies, including the federal report "National Excellence: A Case for Developing America's Talent," released in November 1993, have documented that the needs of our nation's gifted and talented students are not being met. Programs for these students are currently often viewed as extracurricular and are available only on a limited basis in some school systems, money permitting. The needs of gifted and talented students have been well documented by research and federal studies.
To educate all our children and allow America to compete in a global economy and all fields of human endeavor, the nation must provide an environment in which gifted and talented students, along with all of our children, can reach their full potential.
Approved 6/94
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