Gifted group disappointed by Florida

The National Association for Gifted Children had high hopes that Florida might have taken the lead in making sure all gifted students receive instruction from teachers specifically trained to meet their needs.

"To give an idea of how large this would have been, today only four states require annual staff development hours in gifted education for regular classroom teachers," association spokesman Nick Manetto wrote to the Gradebook.

But HB 297, sponsored by state Rep. John Legg, failed to make it through the Senate.

The problem is most dire for economically challenged communities, which often struggle to provide services beyond basic education, Manetto wrote. "Legg's bill would have helped ensure a more even distribution of gifted education and that all teachers have at least some training in the field, a big boost for students living in economically challenged locales."

The group plans to keep watching and advocating for such legislation in coming years. Interested in learning more about gifted ed? The NAGC will have its annual conference in Tampa this fall.

Comments

[Diane Hanfmann]

When will the gifted win? Will the state be considering vouchers for the gifted who sit in class without learning new material since they have again turned their back on acceleration? Why would the politicians fail to support the most effective curricular modification for advanced learners as backed by research?
As a parent advocate, I try to begin with the idea that people need educated to act responsibly. However,
I am aware that acceleration was also included in 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future, a House Committee was held and the topic addressed. That effort also failed.
HB297 also addressed funding issues.
The OPPAGA report was also presented to our decision makers and showed
poor accountability of funds going to the gifted.
My question now would be "If one is informed but continues to act irresponsibly, is that neglect?"
Florida has been one of the better states in relation to gifted ed. Are we willing to sink? I am not.

Students who are gifted (and all students) will be hurt much worse by the budget passed by the Legislature than they will be hurt by HB 297 failing to pass. Don't expect for districts to provide enhanced services when they have to cut their base budgets. If gifted parents want better services, they should elect "gifted" legislators. There weren't many of them around this year.