Giving Gifted Students a Voice - A Proposal to Extend United States Education Policy Allowing Students to Challenge the Appropriateness of their Education*

Abstract

The legislatures and the courts of the United States
have historically deferred to local education authorities in
making decisions concerning the proper method to provide
education to students. Unfortunately, this deference appears to
be misplaced with regards to the education of gifted students.
Research shows that these students fail to perform at the level
commiserate with their potential and face a variety of
psychosocial challenges associated with their intellectual ability.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides a
template for procedural rights that should be extended to the
parents of gifted children. Giving parents the right to participate
in the educational planning for their children and an independent
arbiter to mediate disputes will provide them with the tools
necessary to ensure the receipt of an appropriate education.