Editorial: Gifted programs should be open to all gifted students

It would be easy to blame Illinois' poor performance when it comes to opening up gifted education to more minority students on a lack of funding.

Certainly, more funding, which dried up in 2003, may help. But it's clear that the real problem lies in practices that do not help in identifying gifted students, especially among black and Hispanic populations.

A story last week by Daily Herald staff writer Madhu Krishnamurthy brought that gap to light as she wrote about a report that gives the state a D-minus in gifted identification.

The good news in a generally bad news report, is that some school districts are working on the problem and having some success.

In the suburban area, Elgin Area School District U-46 and Naperville Unit District 203 are cited as examples that other districts can and should follow.

"When given an enriching academic environment and emotional support, gifted students, despite their background, go on to achieve incredible things," said Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, director of Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development. "It's our responsibility to close the gap for these kids."

In Elgin, students are assessed in third grade to determine gifted and talented program placement and again in sixth grade to measure progress.

In Naperville, all third- and fourth-graders get tested.

They have updated the literacy and math gifted placement tests to set a uniform standard across grade levels.

But they've also introduced a gifted committee to oversee an appeals process for students who didn't score the minimum required.

"It allows students that don't fit into that testing box to make a case or rationale for why they should also be included," said Tim Wierenga, assistant superintendent for assessment and analytics.

Both districts empower their teachers and parents to get involved and better identify who could be good candidates for the gifted programs.

All of these are important steps to equalize access to gifted program opportunities. The report by One Chance Illinois was eye-opening even for that group whose goal is to expand educational options for the state's low-income and working-class families, according to Krishnamurthy's story.

"We assumed our data would show issues identifying minority children as gifted; however, we were shocked by how much of a gap there really is," said One Chance Illinois Executive Director Myles Mendoza.

In fact, there has been little to no change in the makeup of students in gifted programs since 2003 and that's way too long.

All kids deserve opportunities to succeed and thrive regardless of their circumstances at home.