Education

The War on Gifted Education Is Hurting Poor Kids

Schools are ending gifted and talented programs in low-income areas, leaving “kids who are poor but academically gifted” to “suffer the worst of both worlds,” says education researcher Michael Petrilli.

John Stossel | 9.23.2026 5:30 PM

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(Stossel TV)

Schools are ending gifted and talented programs. They will no longer separate kids by ability.

Why?

To address "inequity."

"This is so misguided," says education researcher Michael Petrilli in my new video. "These equity people say, 'Oh, we're against gifted education.' At the same time, they're upset that universities aren't very diverse. Guess what? The [equity advocates] are a big part of the problem. They stand in the way of kids of color and low-income kids getting what they need in elementary and middle and high school so they could compete."

Different level classes haven't always been controversial.........

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