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Binet and Simon Develop Intelligence Test
Binet and Simon revolutionize how children are tested to measure intelligence by creating a test that puts a numerical value on a child's intelligence, resulting in the placement of children in special classrooms. This revolutionary test is the historical origins of modern IQ testing. Early interpretations of this test resulted in three findings: Average: mental age matches physical age, Advanced: mental age is higher than physical age, Retarded: mental age is lower than physical age. -
Lewis Terman's IQ Test
The "Father of the Gifted Movement," Lewis Terman, a Stanford psychologist, and professor of education publishes a revolutionary IQ test that is groundbreaking and widely used in the US as a reliable intelligence test. Terman later went on to study gifted students over their lifetime and concluded that gifted children were more healthy and stable than their counterparts. -
Leta Hollingworth Founded 1st Gifted School in the U.S.
Hollingworth founded and taught at the experimental Speyer School, where she was able to create curriculum and best practices for a unique group of gifted learners. Dr. Hollingworth was committed to the individual success of all learners, both gifted and those with disabilities. She is widely considered a pioneer of the gifted movement. -
Founding of National Association for Gifted Children
Ann Isaacs creates the National Association for Gifted Children, a foundation, which according to their website has the following goals and mission: "NAGC's mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research." Without question, an organization empowering gifted students, educators, and parents. -
Soviet Union successfully launches Sputnik
The Soviet's successful launch of Sputnik was a catalyst for important reform in the realm of gifted education . The United States refused to be upstaged by a political competitor and adversary. The United States determined that they would invest in programs for gifted individuals to win this intelligence "war." The educational system started encouraging and emphasizing the study and pursuit of math, science and technology so that the US would become a world leader. -
U.S. Department of Education officially recognized the Office of Gifted and Talented
The Office of Gifted and Talented gains official status within the United States Department of Education. According to H.R. 5718, the committee ensured that: " initiation, expansion, and improvement of programs and projects for the education of such youth at the preschool, elementary and secondary school levels." The formal recognition, along with monetary appropriations allowed for the formation of services for gifted students. -
Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act is passed
The Jacob Javits Act was the only federal program dedicated specifically to gifted and talented students. This act helped to "define talented and gifted students as: those who give evidence of high performance capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity or in specific academic fields." Unfortunately, since there are no federal laws that protect the rights of gifted learners, they must rely on state laws for funding and servicing.
