Out Of Touch

Journal Entry: 1-12-2012

Educators are out to lunch in more ways than one. One of these most damaging misconceptions efficiently knocks down the self-esteem of average students.

Some well-meant nincompoop came up with the bright idea that gifted children require special classes to challenge and fulfill them. Segregating gifted kids from average kids sends the message to the average kids that they are not talented, gifted and exceptional. I would mainstream everybody just like society operates in everyday life. Let the brighter kids tutor the more average kids. Let the more average kids include the brighter kids as regular pals, to be included, not excluded like nerds.

I have long advocated that all children, regardless of ability, be urged and taught to individuate. All are talented, gifted and exceptional, though some are initially at least more gifted than others.

This way all children are trained to be intelligent, independent, confident and creative thinkers. Brilliant kids are not bored being classed with average kids when all are focused together on being curious, alive, interested, intellectually searching, inventive and loving to learn. The brilliant kids, when placed among self-actualizing but average kids, will be constantly challenged just trying to keep ahead of the rest of the class of hard-charging children.  The brilliant kids must work to compete, and will not be bored. They belong with the average kids and also gain social skills.

When classed with the brilliant children, the average kids gain tutoring help and perhaps most importantly, the presence of such talented peers may inspire and motivate them to do better and work harder and learn more. They gain from rubbing elbows with the smartest competition available. The average kids uplift society and themselves now and for years once they learn and accept the role of always trying hard to grow and learn all their lives. They come to believe that their efforts have value. Academic excellence will be theirs for the taking.