Michigan is currently one of nine states that doesn’t provide any funding or support for accelerated education in local and intermediate school districts. The 2015 budget proposed by Gov. Rick Snyder allocates $1.8 million to support dual enrollment programs for high school students. Though this would allow high school students to earn college credits, money also needs to be allocated to programs and after school activities that encourage gifted students to challenge themselves academically and develop targeted interests from an early age.
Though accelerated education programs funded by independent districts and high schools exist, the range of gifted education services available to students in the state is extremely limited. The Michigan Department of Education does provide information concerning the “Talent Development” programs offered by the state, however the information hasn’t been updated in the past four years. It’s worrisome that the state has taken such a passive approach to developing the academic talent of its young citizens.
Snyder’s current budget proposal is a constructive step toward recognizing the needs of gifted students. Additionally, providing college credit to high school students is a constructive way to reduce the cost of attending college. Though Advanced Placement programs offer college credit to students, high schools are inconsistent in the range of AP courses they offer. For example, the Three River’s school district in Kalamazoo lacks sufficient resources to offer AP programs to its students. By funding dual enrollment programs, the state can ensure that students get credit, while receive an education on par with that of a college course. Dual enrollment also enables students to pick classes and take ownership of their education, easing their transition into college life.
Though programs for high school students require immediate attention, Snyder’s administration should also look toward providing funding to programs that encourage gifted students to actively pursue their interests, especially at the elementary level. Support for after-school activities should be expanded at the elementary level so that all students have equal opportunity to pursue an accelerated education in the future. This is especially necessary to avoid creating a dichotomy between high- and low-achieving kids. Challenging young learners and inspiring interest early on can prevent students from underestimating their abilities and falling behind.
Expensive after-school programs that currently exist don’t receive state funding, and therefore most students miss out on such opportunities. The state should have mandates in place that allow all students easy access to such programs in their early development. Since these programs would supplement their education, students should also be allowed to join or drop the program after a year.
As students move to middle school and high school, gifted students can be identified through already existing statewide exams such as the MEAP and Michigan Merit Examination. Using the results of these tests, along with other academic indicators, can help administrators of gifted programs identify these students, and take a step toward providing resources to foster development.
Though some private programs already provide parents with information to help their educationally advanced children, a state mandate needs to be created in order to implement programs in all schools. Snyder and the state legislation must provide state funding to make these programs a reality.