Many schools across the country offer “gifted and talented” programs. If you're familiar with these programs, you know just how valuable they are for the students who are selected. They offer students a great chance to have a deep, enriching, accelerated school experience.

But what about English learners or students with disabilities? Do they have the same access to gifted and talented programs?

A recent study by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University has some surprising findings. First, it shows that English learners and students with disabilities are not selected for gifted and talented programs at the same rate as the general student population. Second, the study shows that those states that audit and monitor these programs have higher rates of inclusion of English learners and students with disabilities.

English Learners And Gifted & Talented Programs

The study finds that English learners are selected for gifted programs 13% less often than the overall student body. This means that potentially qualified students who are still developing their proficiency in English are at risk of missing out on gifted and talented programs and all the benefits they provide.

English learners and their parents would be right to feel concerned about these missed opportunities. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can help advocate for English learners excluded from these programs.

Students With Disabilities And Gifted & Talented Programs

Despite being what are known as “twice exceptional,” the research shows that gifted students with disabilities are often overlooked when it comes to gifted and talented programs. In fact, students with disabilities are selected for gifted and talented programs 17% less often than the general student population.

Many parents of students with disabilities worry their child is missing out on the educational benefits of a gifted and talented program. For them, consultation with an experienced attorney-advisor can be a lifeline. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can help ensure their student has the equal access to education they're entitled to.

State Involvement In Gifted & Talented Programs

The Annenberg study finds that states with policies governing the implementation of gifted and talented programs tend to include more students with disabilities and English-language learners than states that do not supervise these programs, and instead leave this to the local school districts. Effective oversight among states that do supervise them usually includes service plan expectations and regular audits to check for compliance.

Speak To An Experienced Team

If you or your child is missing valuable educational opportunities like participation in a gifted and talented program, you do not have to deal with this matter on your own. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm are experienced advocates for students with disabilities and English learners. They are ready to work to ensure your student's access to valuable educational opportunities. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686, or contact them online to set up your consultation.