Ever wonder how schools help and support students who excel academically? British Columbia’s education system is all about celebrating everyone’s strengths, and that includes gifted and talented programs. These programs are designed to challenge super-smart students and help them blossom. But are they working? Let’s investigate!

First things first, how do they even figure out who’s “gifted”? It’s not just about straight A’s. We all have our strengths and different ways of displaying them. These students are superstars in all sorts of areas, maybe math, art, or maybe they’re just natural leaders. The way they find these students is thorough, making sure all kinds of talent get a shot at these special programs.

Alright, so what goes on in these gifted programs? They have classes that dig even deeper into subjects, like advanced science or crazy cool history projects. It’s all about getting these students to think outside the box and keeping that love for learning burning bright.

One of the best organizations for a deeper dive is the Gifted Children’s Association of B.C., founded in 1983 as a not-for-profit charity building awareness about gifted children, as well as how to support them.

So, do these programs work? Research shows that students in gifted programs tend to be way more engaged and motivated, which means their grades soar in all kinds of subjects. Plus, the classes are designed to be a real challenge, so they don’t get bored and can truly understand the material.

But school isn’t just about grades, right? These programs consider how students are feeling too. That’s why these programs create a space where gifted students can hang out with other like-minded peers, which is awesome for their social development. However, it’s important to remember that this can also come with challenges, like feeling extra sensitive or having high expectations of yourself. These programs make sure they’re there to support students through that too.

Now, not everyone thinks these gifted programs are perfect. Some folks worry that they make students feel superior or cut them off from their regular classmates. Others worry that the quality of these programs can vary wildly, and not everyone who deserves to be in them gets a fair shot. These are valid concerns, and B.C. needs to make sure these programs are top-notch and accessible to everyone in the province.

So, what does the future hold for gifted programs in B.C.? Well, a recent decision to pause admissions for a provincial program has led to concerns. The Transition Program for Gifted Students, also known as the University Transition Program (UTP), is run by the province’s Ministry of Education, Vancouver School Board, and the University of B.C. It’s been around for nearly three decades, but last month the UTP announced it is pausing enrolments for the coming year due to concerns over students’ mental health. The school has raised concerns about separating these students from their peers into a gifted program, while advocates worry this could lead to the program being shelved for good.

Through the good and the bad, B.C.’s gifted programs can be a launchpad for amazing things. These students can truly reach their potential and become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. More than anything else, it is essential that we understand how we can make sure all learners get the chance to shine.