
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 3, 1995                   TAG: 9502030047
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAVE GRESHAM
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GOOD PROGRAM SUFFERS ITS BAD NAME

DID YOU know that seven-eighths of Bedford County schoolchildren have no talent and no gifts? That is, according to the Bedford County school system. I'll explain.

``Talented and Gifted'' is the name of a program in our schools whereby selected children are given extra educational opportunities. The percentage of students in the program varies from school to school. But at Staunton River Middle School, for example, the number is roughly one-eighth.

Is this a good program? Absolutely! Virginia spends millions of dollars on all kinds of programs for students who have lagged behind for one reason or another, and it's only fair to pay some attention to students on the other end of the spectrum.

The problem is the name of the program. What arrogance! It's offensive to hear it. Isn't anyone concerned that calling one-eighth of our students ``talented and gifted'' in front of others is like telling seven-eighths of our children that they're not talented or gifted? Yes, the program is good; the name is a disgrace.

But more than just an embarrassing name, it's dangerous. This name will sow seeds of conceit and arrogance for those taking part, and self-doubt and feelings of inferiority for those excluded. Everybody loses.

Every single day - week after week, month after month, for 12 years - seven-eighths of the school population see a few of their peers go to where the ``talented'' and ``gifted'' go. But, of course, they stay seated. Don't you think this is going to have some effect on them?

Meanwhile, the results for those in the program will be even worse in the long run. Think about it: What will be the result of mere children carrying such a lofty title throughout their formative years? Arrogant adults is the answer.

Consider the age-old question: Can two walk together except they be in agreement? All of us can handle being labeled ``different'' from each other - for the very reason that we all have talents and gifts. But not one of us will accept that we're inferior to others. And this is precisely the problem. For when you call a small group of impressionable little children by such a superior title for 12 years (the formative years, no less), you can be sure they'll come to believe they're superior to the majority of people. The result of those childish conclusions? Lost friendships and lost opportunities are just two of the certainties. Ultimately, I think even happiness is at stake.

The bottom line: All children are gifted and talented in some ways, and the sooner children learn this the better off they'll be.

Now, here's the good news. On Feb. 7, the Bedford County Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee will discuss changing the program's name. (Several years ago, the program had the excellent, low-key title of ``Extended Curriculum Program.'') Shortly after this meeting, voting ballots will be sent to all Bedford County school principals and program coordinators asking them to vote on whether to keep the name or change it.

Dave Gresham of Moneta owns a small construction business.

by CNB