Gifted students deserve funding, too

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Editor:

Re: The Feb. 7 letter from Franca Muraca, who commented on a column by Dale Bass concerning the the fate of the proposed International Baccalaureate (IB) program at NorKam secondary (‘Bass’s column on teachers, IB program loaded with fiction’)”

As a parent of a potential IB student, I found Muraca’s letter to be narrow-minded and biased.

It makes me question whether the teachers’ union would be upset if the school district invested $250,000 in a program for special-needs students.

Would the union be using excuses such as “lack of consultation” for not participating in program training and workshops?

I am tired of the whining of teachers regarding their working conditions, class composition an d the constant efforts to make each student equal.

The reality is every student is not equal and programs need to be developed so each student can reach their ideal potential.

This includes the Beattie School of the Arts, the Bert Edwards Science and Technology School, sport academies and the IB program.

My student is an example of the system working against her natural abilities to have her fit within the “average”.

We were told that when she could read, write, add and subtract in kindergarten and Grade 1, it would all “average out” by Grade 3.

Does it average out or do  students with above-average skills become bored while the rest of the class catches up?

Fortunately, we found a teacher who didn’t accept that philosophy and was willing to have our student tested to determine her academic-skills levels. Where is the program for students who deserve a challenging learning environment. where they are encouraged to do more and be more than just “average”?

Let’s remember that “gifted” is also a category and gifted students deserve funding, too.

Shannon Douglas

Kamloops