Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007 | I would like to comment on Vladimir Kogan‘s story on Seminar funding. The story repeatedly refers to the state grant, which actually only partially funds the program. You should know that G.A.T.E. funds are part of that grant and are listed as: GATE(Resource Code 7140). Here’s the link describing what those funds may be used for (such as Agricultural Vocational Education and 14 other categories).
The article also didn’t address the reality that, in opposing this type of program, the district reveals that its only true goal is higher standardized test scores. The special needs of these students are irrelevant to the opponents as long as they can deliver the scores. What about truly reaching their true potential, not just mediocrity? Seminar students test at an equivalent deviation level — at the opposite end of the bell curve — as do special ed students. The needs of special ed students are not challenged, why are those of gifted youngsters?