Is there still a need for gifted education?

An examination of current research

an article by Sally M Reis and Joseph S Renzullia (Neag School of Education, The University of Connecticut) published in Learning and Individual Differences Volume 20 Issue 4 (August 2010)

Abstract
What recent research has been conducted about gifted and talented students and their learning experiences in school?
As we complete the first decade of the new century we are entering a time when much attention is focused on remediation and test preparation; it only seems appropriate to reflect upon what has been learned about gifted education during the last few decades and consider the compelling evidence that may or may not support special services for gifted and talented. Consensus on which research themes and studies should be included in this type of examination were difficult to reach, but we have identified six important themes that are discussed in the article. This review of research strongly suggests that the need for gifted education programmes remains critical during the current time period in American education when our nation’s creative productivity is being challenged by European and Asian nations.

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