Why aren't kids at the very top of the IQ distribution afforded accommodations like kids at the very bottom?

Question

That is, why do we invest so much more in mentally retartded children than in gifted children?

Of course I am all for investing resources in the education of mentally retarded children. I'm just wondering why our system is so unfair to those kids who are just as abnormal, but in the opposite direction.

Answer 1

Simply put, if we don't try to fix or at least improve the mentally retarded, then their care falls on the shoulders of those with a "normal" or "high" IQ. Kids with high IQ's, whether or not they are given a chance to flourish, will never be a "burden" on society due to mental deficiencies.

I don't like it, but that's how it is.

Answer 2

I agree with other answers but I also think it goes much deeper. In America, land of opportunity, we believe that there should be an equal playing field and that everyone is created equally. We do not value intelligence, individuality or smart kids. Look at the news on T.V. 15 minutes of brief headline shockers and 15 minutes full coverage of sports. Everyone follows sports and wants their kid to be a "star"- even in team sports. Compare a professor's salary to a big league sport player!We do not like to hear that someone else's kid is smarter than ours. We "dumb-down" our bright and gifted future leaders of America by only allowing them to rub elbows with others like them once or twice a week. Our district just now is cutting gifted ed teachers.
Some states consider it a type of "special ed" and the kids are on IEPs which is suppose to help but I don't know..If you are a parent, you have to fight to get your kid in and around other bright kids which will stimulate and challenge their minds. Keep up the fight and advocate for your kids! If you can keep them motivated, someday they will figure it out and use their talents. Just let them know how special they are and demand high achievement from home.

Answer 3

In California, we try to spread it around... we have Gifted programs, and pull out sessions for those great kids. We also track in Math, English. The reason so much is put into special ed kids, is that we only have 12 years with them, and we need to get them to their highest potential, which is expensive, but no where near as expensive than if we just let them slip thru the cracks, and had them on welfare for the rest of their 67 years.

Helpful?

Answer 4

I am a licensed gifted intervention specialist and I currently teach students with learning disabilities. The term accommodations typically refers to special ed students being allowed to use a calculator on a test when everyone else isn't, etc. Gifted students don't need such accommodations. Gifted children are required to be identified in most states, but it is not always a requirement to provide enrichment opportunities. Students who are identified as gifted and live in a district which services them are often able to participate in pull out enrichment classes, have modified/differentiated assignments, higher level classes, etc. Check with you local school district to see what services are offered in your area.

Answer 5

I guess they figure if you are gifted, you can make your own way and find your own resources.I see your point and it is a good one, but if the money was divided like you say, the mentally challenged might not get everything they need to have a chance at a normal life.

Answer 6

Because as a society we support those are who disabled and cannot help themselves. Those people in the opposite direction are generally NOT disabled (although extremely bright people are often disabled socially) and certainly should have the moxie to help themselves. If we can provide a great environment to nurture that brilliance, great.

Answer 7

you have no clue do you. they do have programs.

go to www.ed.gov and see gifted students. ok here is the deal with "retarded" which is no longer used it is developmentally delayed. so much for your high high iq.

then most insurance companies do not cover any therapy for disabled kids only for adults so by law all therapy phsy speach therapy is provide by law in the school thank god we do this. we are the only nation that does this.

go explore the site. you can be rude while someone who is dev delayed is not.

do me a favor stay out of this forum ify ou are rude.
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Answer 8

ok: according to" Educationaly Handicapped Students
because they lack Learning skills where I.Q Scores show
lower than average but those needs help with special new
idea by Voccational Improvement Program available today
called Peace Work for people's Choice & yes teaches them
alot better"