Negative perceptions

Gifted education endures many negative perceptions.

I once was told the story of a school principal who outlined a new program for elite students to the school council.
The principal told of how this program would allow the full development of the latent talents present in these children. The school would earn a reputation for excellence. Additional programmes for children in the identified top 10% percent of potential would give these students the opportunity to really excel.

The school council was aghast. Selected programs for the 'elite'. This was unthinkable! To choose the best and give opportunities only to those elite was neither egalitarianism nor fair! Extra resources for those who least needed it???

Then the principal stated that the program was for gifted athletes. Instantly the council was relieved. This was different. Now they understood. Of course the best athletes deserved extra resources. Now there was total enthusiasm.
However the principal then told the council to consider what they are saying: Sporting excellence deserves support- but academic excellence does not.

Our sporting elite are to be admired and considered as role models. Our academic elite? Well the very concept of an academic elite is 'elitist' (a derogatory term) and un-egalitarian.