On this MLK Day we are reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s work of civil rights activism is not finished. Racism still pervades American culture. We find it not only in our history but in ourselves, our leaders, and our institutions, including in those systems for identifying and serving the needs of high ability students in New Mexico public schools.

We know many high-ability students are being left behind by their school districts.  The latest Office for Civil Rights 2013-2014 data collection reveals wide disparities in the percentages of high schools attended by mostly Black and Latino students that offer courses such as calculus, physics, chemistry, and Algebra II, compared to all high schools.  The data also show low percentages of enrollment in gifted education and AP courses by Black, Latino, and children with disabilities, compared to those groups’ total enrollment in schools offering these programs and services. -NAGC, Closing Opportunity Gaps, July, 2016.

What are you doing to stand up for justice in the field of gifted education? Continue reading