Change in Warren school program causes debate

WARREN — The city school district has made changes to its gifted and talented program that it says will better serve pupils.

Some parents believe, however, that the new program is hurting — not helping — their children academically.

Previously the district had identified gifted pupils using a state model. This model identified gifted pupils as those who do well on test scores, said Kathy Shook, district executive director of teaching and learning.

Also, there were separate classes for gifted and talented pupils.

Warren expanded the number of pupils who qualify for the gifted students program at the beginning of the 2006-07 school year, Shook said.

“Teachers are now able to identify students who are advanced or who do well in a particular subject,” she said.

Gifted pupils are also now taught in the same classes as other pupils — but they receive special instruction from teachers, Shook said.

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