Meeting the educational needs of the gifted:A legal imperative

Currently only one major federal law, the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Act of 1988, acknowledges the need for special programs for gifted children. It stops short, however, of mandating their creation. And given the dearth of effective education programs in the nation at present, the educational and legal rights of gifted students are being inadequately served. This article briefly examines developments at the federal level affecting both the legal and educational rights of gifted students. It also reviews educational data supporting the need to establish special programs that are mandated and in which state schools are held accountable. The authors conclude by suggesting implications and making recommendations for informed educational practice vis‐a‐vis gifted students.