Are Asian and pacific Americans overrepresented in programs for the gifted?

As a group, Asian and Pacific American (APA) students are commonly perceived as “overrepresented” in programs for the gifted despite their status as numerical and political minorities. The literature reveals little information concerning the accuracy of this perception or factors contributing to high rates of identification as gifted. This article examines the phenomenon of overrepresentation in light of the diversity of Asian subgroups using disaggregated data from one large urban school district with a high enrollment of APA students. These data suggest differences in identification rates among APA subgroups. Literature‐based explanations are offered for over‐ and underrepresentation as well as implications for school practices.