Graduate Program

Educational Administration

Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1982

Thesis Director

David E. Bartz

Abstract

Since a major purpose of American education is to meet each child's individual needs, then the intellectually gifted children require the same consideration as those who are slow learners, handicapped, economically disadvantaged, or emotionally disturbed. Research reveals that there are approximately one and one-half to two million gifted children in the United States which means that between two and three percent of the students in any given classroom fall into this category. It is an alrming fact that between ten and twenty percent of the gifted students become high school dropouts and a much larger number never attend college. Presently, 35 percent of the gifted student population in the United States is served with some type of education designed for gifted children. Since 1957 when the federal government became alarmed that the “Russians” would get ahead of the United States some progress has been made in gifted education. The National Defense Act was enacted in 1958 to aid schools in improving programs for gifted children. Programs have improved, but not at the pace expected. Full-time gifted programs are needed to help the gifted student meet his/her highest potential. The South Eastern Special Education District is proposed in this study as a cooperative district for a full-time gifted program. A centrally located community college would be an appropriate setting for this type of program due to its facilities and personnel. Requirements for administrators, teachers, and pupil personnel are outlined as is criteria for gifted student participation. Presently there are no monies for a full-time gifted program within South Eastern Special Education District due to federal funding being reduced. Schools can still offer gifted services on a limited basis using equipment, facilities, and personnel that they have.

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