[sticker]

Those of us that had children that were called gifted, had to fight for programs to challenge them while money was being thrown at the autistic and others. I have had this discussion with educators over this and no one seems to want to answer: Why are we spending so much on those that will not lead in the future vs our best and brightest?

[raybbr]

Why are we spending so much on those that will not lead in the future vs our best and brightest?

Because there is no money in it for the special ed teachers. Special ed is all the rage now. It brings in more money per student.

You have a very valid point. I did not think of it that way before. It is a shame. You can put it down to the victim society. Autistics and their families are seen as "victims" and must be treated with all things extra.

[Valpal1]

Trust me, you do not want the gov’t focusing on your gifted child. I’ve been through a TAG program (in the 70’s).

It’s a Saul Alinsky lite indoctrination program. Almost non of the TAG program involved actual accelerated academic teaching. It was mostly seminar style “trainings” or group therapy style “discussions”. Worse, the kids are told over and over again that they are entitled to be leaders because of their giftedness and they were just creating a bunch of liberal a*holes with a truly warped idea of noblesse oblige. I have no doubt that the Tim Geithner’s of the world were indoctrinated in similar elitist pap.

[gbscott1954]

Sticker, We have an autistic child and I will tell you it hasn't all “peaches and cream” with us. This one situation is not the norm. Most school systems only give what the absolutely have to give, nothing more. We have had to fight for every little scrap of care our son got. And I will tell you, a nation is not great because of how it takes care of it's best, it is great because of how it takes care of those in greatest need.

Is there a need for more funding for gifted kids? Probably. But don't take it from handicapped kids. Take it from the administration salaries, and all the money that is tossed at young men chasing balls and tooting horns!

I just cannot believe that there are those here who begrudge a little help for those who are autistic, downs, or mentally retarded. My son is not a victim. I don't consider him as such. I have paid taxes for years, including property taxes for schools. He deserved better than he got from the public schools.

Finally, those of you who have gifted kids, I am thankful for you. But remember, when they go out to be doctors, engineers, dentists, lawyers, etc., my autistic son will never do such. I am not bitter, as you may think. Our son (who is 33) has been a joy to our lives. But it does get under my skin when people complain about money being spent on autistic children and others who are mentally handicapped. Have we ever heard of compassion on those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Finally, if you want to talk about those who are unproductive to society you are in good company. Guys in brown uniforms felt the exact same way about 70 years ago. It took a world war to defeat their master race ideas.