The Administration released their FY19 budget that requests a 5 percent decrease below the 2017 enacted level for programs in the U.S. Department of Education, and proposes elimination of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program.

The Administration says that its budget supports the vulnerable, and the Javits program is the only dedicated federal funding stream to support the vulnerable minority and low-income gifted students who are overlooked. In fact, a bi-partisan poll conducted by the Winston Group and Benenson Strategy Group last year found that eight out of ten registered voters support increased federal funding for gifted and talented education.

"We know voters overwhelmingly support providing federal funding for gifted and talented education," said M. René Islas, Executive Director of the National Association for Gifted Children. “Supporting gifted and talented children, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, is part of the transformational change needed to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach for their personal best.

“Sadly, gifted minority children living in poverty are 250% less likely to be identified for, and served in gifted programs, even when they are performing at the same level as their peers. Our nation must do better and reverse the inequity in education. For too long, many have knowingly inhibited the growth and development of gifted and talented children living in poverty.

“The $12 million directed to the Javits program is a tiny spec in the overall FY19 budget, but its influence on the too often overlooked gifted and talented students living in poverty is significant. Maintaining Javits funding will empower educators to implement effective practices.”

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The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is a membership organization whose mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research. 

CONTACT:  Cathleen Healy, chealy@nagc.org/202-365-4636

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