Letters to the Editor

Anti-intellectualism alive in schools

Oct 1, 2009 4:06 PM

To the Editor:

The gifted are the most discriminated-against group of students in our schools today.

We have no problem recognizing the special ability of athletes and we can readily spot musical talent and art ability, but it appears politically incorrect to recognize the intellectually gifted.

Why is this so? We spend money for remedial classes even on the college level. We spend money to teach English as a second language in city schools. We have special ed classes for the intellectually challenged, but the gifted must not be singled out!

Anti-intellectualism — long a feature of American life — decrees it is not democratic to take note of differences in brain power. But, this is shortchanging the gifted, which isn’t democratic either.

So some schools set up pullout programs. For X number of hours per week, the gifted may leave their class and attend a special class. Depending on the quality of the teaching personnel, students: (a) may complete the required subject curriculum at a faster pace; (b) be encouraged to work independently on a subject of his or her choice; (c) be challenged and stimulated to do some original thinking and research.

However the time limit barely skims the surface of what should be done. Back in their regular class, the gifted must goose-step along with the lowest common denominator. Boredom often sets in, bad habits are formed, discipline problems often arise.

Our gifted must be recognized, nurtured and challenged not for a few hours, but day in and day out. The stimulation of dealing with peers feeds the mind and gladdens the spirit.

We need not worry about elitism if the administration assures entry into such classes to all who are able to carry on the advanced level of work.

Helen C. Arvanitis, retired