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Pros and Cons of a Gifted Math Program

Starting with the opening of the first gifted school in Massachusetts in 1901, gifted education is still given. With the advancement of technology, many gifted learning programs shifted to online modes of education. But, the question is whether one should register one’s kids for gifted education programs, especially a gifted math program? Before answering that, it’s better to go through the definition of gifted education once.

Looking for a gifted math program that doesn't suck? Check out the pros and cons of using one!

Gifted Math Program Pros & Cons

What is Gifted Education?

It’s a type of education in which there’s a specially designed educational environment for the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted and talented students. The schools offer different gifted programs based on the gifted abilities of highly talented students.

Gifted Math Program

Such a program is designed for students who are highly gifted in mathematics. Students with gifted talent in mathematics need such a math program that is separated, accelerated, and provides them with opportunities for complex mathematical reasoning.

Moreover, it’s acknowledged that services provided in the general school system are not able to meet the needs of gifted mathematics students. Gifted or talented students are usually identified at the pre-school or elementary level. Many teachers at these levels of schools are not specialized in mathematics. Thus, the potential of talented math students demands a separate gifted math program. Some schools offer such a program in a separate building other than their usual school buildings, whereas some teach it through online education platforms.

Though the course of the program may differ from district to district, it usually includes more advanced concepts of mathematics. Moreover, it also ensures that these talented students get social-emotional and culturally relevant support.

Pros and Cons of Gifted Math Program

Gifted learning programs are specially designed for students who are highly talented and have gifted abilities. But despite that fact, the majority of parents want their kids to enroll in such programs and earn the title ‘gifted’. If you’re too one of those parents, consider the pros and cons of the gifted math program listed below.

  • Pros
  1. Being labeled ‘gifted’ in mathematics boosts a student’s self-esteem and gives him a positive self-concept.
  2. In a usual school system, a talented math student finds it easy to solve problems as compared to his peers. But, a separate math program challenges him academically, pushing him to reach his potential.
  3. It makes a student exhibit a higher level of achievement.
  4. It marks the future success of the student.
  5. A gifted student becomes more socialized in the gifted education environment, as compared to the general education environment where he has difficulties relating with his peers.
  • Cons
  1. As the competition increases, it may develop a negative self-concept in a gifted math student if he doesn’t perform as well as his other gifted peers.
  2. For many schools, gifted education is an afterthought. So, many gifted programs are underfunded.
  3. It promotes racial and socioeconomic disparity in gifted math students.
  4. A student may be quicker than his peers in solving math problems, but he may not have the passion to study advanced mathematics. Parents need to understand the difference between the learning abilities and passion of the students. 
Looking for a gifted math program that doesn't suck? Check out the pros and cons of using one!