Gifted kids have an IQ of 130 or higher, which is about 2 percent of the population. At my oldest daughter’s middle school, about 20 percent of the school is in the gifted program; at some Boca Raton elementary schools, the percentage is even higher.
The gifted program has a lot of prestige and is considered an escape from “regular” classes, where kids are perceived as having less interest in learning and misbehaving more.
My second-grade daughter, Ellie, was recommended for gifted testing by her teachers, but we found out yesterday she missed the 130 IQ by a few points. She wanted to be in the program at her school because those kids leave class once a week to do fun projects and go on trips.
I have mixed feelings about her being a “regular” kid. I would have loved for her to get the extra academic stimulation of the gifted program. But in the long run, does it really matter? I think she can still get a good education in our schools, and I know she will grow up to be a productive citizen and a great person.
What do you think about Florida’s gifted system? Have you found your kids can get just as good an education in a typical classroom?
