ohmygosh - I unfortunately posted a similar statement at 7:02 pm about the bell curve. Pretty much society in general focuses on the bell curve, but especially schools. Those at either end are going to be left with less than appropriate educations. Does that mean it is fair, nope, but they sure arent teaching to the 'lowest common denominator'. And I speak as one who participated in the gifted programs in the 80's as a student. Even in a well run gifted program there are still some more gifted than others who need more challenges. Quite a bit of what I learned was outside of classrooms, gifted or mainstream. My parents challenged me and I strived to learn things on my own. Schools must do the most good for the most children, hence the bell curve. Amazing how people can speak so definatively about things of which they are not informed.

"this article is such a crock of bull. poor gifted kids complaining they are not getting enough. well, look at the other end with autism and it's worse. at least the gifted kids will still have a chance in society." - ProzacDispenser

"It's hard to feel sorry for someone labelled as superior to begin with." - djofraleigh

Please try to understand the subject before you comment on it. The kids aren't complaining; they probably don't even know. Money is being misused. And I'm sorry if neither of you qualified for your schools' AIG program, but that's no reason to lash out against people you don't know who you assume are labelled "superior". AIG children come with their own problems, just like anybody else. Some will try to "act dumb" to try to fit in, others will develop an ego, while others will withdraw from society as much as possible in order not to draw any more attention. Behavior problems often follow. The program is designed to help them reach their potential.

Why are so many people afraid to acknowledge the "Bell shaped curve"?

"Lowest common denominator"??? You have got to be kidding me, right? I hope that NONE of you who refer to a CHILD like that is a parent. Is there not one ounce of restraint among those of you who would label a child? I just dont understand the cruelty of people when it comes to children. My son (adopted recently by us at 16 years old) came to us as one of these 'lowest common demoninators'. I would thank you to not label him and belittle the tragedy that put him in the care of the state. He has been here less than 3 months and he is getting A's and B's! Why? Because WE, not the school challenge him to do more. No child left behind forces teacher to teach to the 'test'. Curriculum is based on the schools getting good grades, not the student. Blame the 'no child left behind' program. If your school isnt challenging your student then do it yourself.

wiseowl said "we didn't need an audit for this. public schools cater to the lowest common denominator and that's it. period."

For many reasons, including "Probably because parents of gifted students don't complain as much and don't expect to have everything handed to them.- fyiarp"

IDEA, ADA, etc have resulted in a watering down of the education system in this country. There are cases where there are teachers earning full salaries who are responsible for one child per day (since IDEA, ADA, etc and resulting parent lawsuits have essentially said that schools must babysit children who have severe disabilities) while another teacher has 100-200 students and earns the same paycheck. Now, who is giving the taxpayer the most bang for our buck?

I'm telling you people, until the parents of the "Average" and AG students start complaining the situation will never improve. It is a classic case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease, although in schools its the parents with the best lawyers.