History of Gifted Education

First school for the gifted opened

1901

This is important because students are being recognized as gifted and their needs are starting to be met for the first time.

Stanford-Binet test published

1916

The first test published that assessed intelligence to identify gifted students and changing American education forever.

"Genetic Studies of Genius" published

1925

Written by Lewis Terman, this study spanned 40 years and confirmed that gifted students were qualitatively different from other students. They had qualities that were passed down through families. They also were advanced emotionally and academically when compared to their peers.

The Soviet Union Launches Sputnik

1957

This event created an urgency in public education in the United States. More emphasis was placed on finding and nurturing those who were talented enough to advance the United States globally and in the space race. The government approved more money to be spent on identifying and educating gifted students in the U.S.

"A Nation at Risk" is published

1983

This report shed light on the issue of under performing gifted students in the U.S. and their failure to compete with their peers in other countries. The report included policies for gifted education and promoted appropriate curriculum.

Javits program included in NCLB

2002

The Javits grant provided funding for gifted through statewide grants. School districts were able to use the funds to identify and provide services for more gifted students than through regular state funding alone.