Re: No Genius Left Behind

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...

> I was thinking in terms of:
> 
>   (1) Making sure they have all the stuff they need to progress 
>       on their own (lab equip, oscilloscopes, software, telescopes, 
>       materials, supplies, misc facilities, whateverthehell they want)

A good idea, but much of this stuff can be found in university and
college laboratories.  There's no reason why a younger gifted child
shouldn't have access to this, given proper supervision.

>   (2) Top-notch professors (of whatever) to talk/consult with whenever.

Another good idea.

"Those that can, do.  Those that can't, teach."

A cliche, yes, and one that will upset the professional teachers
here, but it does have a grain of truth.  In most colleges, the
requirements for engineering, science, medicine, dentistry, etc.
are higher than the ones for education.  Part of the problem is
enginerring, etc. pays a lot better than education.  Better
funding will help attract better and brighter teachers.

Also, much of "education" consists of educational psychology,
educational foundations, sensitivity training, motivational
seminars, etc. rather than the course material to be taught.
If I was taking high school chemistry, I would prefer someone
with a Ph.D. in chemistry to teach me, rather than a B.Ed.
I'm sure that's a common attitude among the gifted and
"geniuses".  Maybe ordinary kids would prefer, or need, an
educational psychologist rather than a chemist.

>   (3) Access to business, world-class field trips, foreign travel,
>       the whole nine-yards of exposure to creative culture/influences.

Ditto.  Consider it advanced placement.
       
> Spare no expense.  It will payoff. This kind of program will get the
> most of your IQ-160+ intellectual raw material.

> Not like all the 
> money flushed down IQ-75 NCLB SpecialEd Ratholez, with little 
> in return..

Again, the only "ratholez" are those kids who refuse to learn - on
the grounds that it's not cool, macho, relevant, etc. - despite all
the classes they have been forced to attend.  IQ has little to do
with this.  If it takes a million dollars to educate a clinically
retarded but motivated child into a productive member of society,
then go right ahead.

And what of the money flushed down the basketball hoops and
football goalposts of schools, that could instead be spend on
labs and libraries?