Seattle Public Schools is phasing out its gifted and talented program — find out why
Seattle Public Schools to phase out HCC program amid equity concerns. (AI Image)
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has decided to dismantle its gifted and talented program, sparking widespread debate among parents, educators, and the community. The decision, which began in 2021, aims to phase out the highly capable cohort (HCC) schools by the 2027-2028 school year, citing racial disparities in the program's demographics as the primary reason.
The program, designed for students scoring in the 98th percentile or higher, previously served advanced learners at 11 specialized schools, including three elementary, five middle,_green and three high schools. However, a 2020 SPS task force report highlighted a significant overrepresentation of white and Asian students, prompting the district to prioritize racial equity over the continuation of the program.
Addressing racial gaps in education
The SPS task force noted that the Seattle community expressed discomfort with the racial disparities in the HCC schools, where white and Asian students dominated the enrollment. Fox News reported that the program was among the least diverse in the U.S., with limited access for underrepresented groups. Critics argue that the program's structure, which often required parents to transport children to testing centers on Saturdays with only one opportunity to qualify, favored more privileged families who could afford private testing.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Spacious 2, 3 & 4 BHK Homes at ₹88 L+* in Pune
Dosti Greenscapes
Learn More
Undo
In response, Washington state introduced a law mandating universal testing to identify gifted students from all backgrounds. Anticipating an influx of students, SPS opted to close the HCC schools and integrate gifted learners into mainstream classrooms under a new 'highly capable neighborhood' model starting next school year. However, doubts persist about the district's ability to deliver on its promise of specialized instruction for these students.
Financial and educational implications
The decision also has financial underpinnings. According to parent Parmar, the cost per student at Cascadia Elementary, an HCC school, was approximately $7,000—about 50% less than many neighboring schools. Despite this efficiency, SPS is replacing the program with what some, like parent Kiley Riffell, call 'empty promises, zero plan, and zero funding.' Teachers are now tasked with creating individualized learning plans for every student, a requirement many believe is unfeasible due to limited time and resources.
Potential consequences for students
Parents like Katie McAllister, whose son learned to read at age 4, worry about the impact on gifted learners. She described the program as a 'lifesaver,' noting that her son would have struggled in a regular classroom. Critics warn that this move could disproportionately harm low-income gifted students, as wealthier families may opt for private schools or better districts, leaving others in under-stimulating environments.
As the debate continues, the decision underscores the tension between equity and educational excellence in public schools.
Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Houses outside lal dora to get water connections but at a hefty price
Chandigarh: The BJP-led municipal corporation did approve the agenda of temporary water connections for residents living outside the lal dora at 22 villages in the city, but with a caveat. The civic body has imposed double domestic charges and hefty construction charges, much to the chagrin of opposition parties, which protested against the financial burden. According to the opposition, water connections should be provided without imposing double domestic charges and construction charges on old buildings. Regardless of their protests, the mayor and BJP councillors approved the agenda. Objecting to this, AAP councillor Hardeep Singh said, "Water connection is required, but not by imposing double charges and construction charges on old buildings. I opposed these hefty charges, but the mayor completely ignored it and allowed the agenda to be approved, placing this unbearable financial burden on residents living outside Lal Dora." Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh agreed. "It is very wrong that water connections are passed, only to be given at double rates and by applying construction charges on old buildings. In their hunger to take credit, BJP approved the agenda but through wrong means, which will impose a major financial burden on the public. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This is cheating the residents living outside Lal Dora. There is no logic of imposing a double domestic charge while giving such water connections. " BJP faced opposition within its ranks too, with councillor Kanwar Rana saying that double domestic charges outside lal dora should not be imposed. However, his objection was also ignored and the agenda was passed. The final decision will be taken by the Chandigarh administration. However, sources said that any construction outside the lal dora is illegal in the eyes of the UT administration, which terms such construction as illegal. Although the MC held meetings with senior officers of the UT and raised the issue before the administrator, arguing that water supply is a necessity, the move may encourage more illegal construction outside Lal Dora. Moreover, constructed properties outside the lal dora are being used for commercial activities. "Since the Periphery Control Act applies in Chandigarh and outside lal dora construction is a violation, approved agenda of the general house will be sent to the UT administration for its consideration. The UT will legally, administratively, and logically examine all points before taking a final decision," sources in the MC revealed. MSID:: 121601782 413 |
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Overlapping symptoms make Cov diagnosis difficult without tests
Kolkata: The overriding symptoms of Covid during the current surge were a low-grade, persistent fever, along with a mild cough, which could be deceptive, warned doctors. While it made a vast majority ignore the symptoms and take over-the-counter medicines, for some, the fever refused to subside. It was the continuing fever that led many to consult physicians. Most of those testing Covid positive on admission to hospitals for other ailments were also screened at hospitals due to their fever. Covid cases have been rising in Bengal over the past week. The state logged 319 cases in the past seven days, taking the number of active cases to 331 on Monday. Unlike the first three waves, when Covid came with loss of smell and taste, accompanied by high fever, severe cough and pneumonia, the symptoms of the current spike were muted and flu-like, said doctors. With a runny nose and a sore throat, symptoms in most were milder than that during the pandemic, said CMRI pulmonology director Raja Dhar. "Mild symptoms led many to ignore it, which could be risky at a time, when cases are proliferating. One should get tested, and if the result turns positive, the patient should isolate, especially if there are elders in the family. Screening should be stricter for elderly people with comorbidities, and if the fever and cough persist beyond four to five days, hospitalization is advised as symptoms could worsen quickly," said Dhar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo CMRI has seven Covid patients admitted. Manipal Hospitals infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty agreed. "The symptoms are flu-like, but for some, the fever persists. Those patients are getting tested, and many tested positive. While severe cases have been rare so far, rising numbers could lead to a spurt," he added. Five Covid patients, admitted to Manipal's different units, have been discharged. Covid pneumonia has been rare this time, said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta. "Most patients have a cough and low fever. Even the elders in hospital who tested positive have muted Covid symptoms. Most are being treated for their comorbidities. During the pandemic, a vast majority of senior citizens had severe Covid symptoms, including pneumonia," said Sengupta. Dhar pointed out that the Jn.1 variant of the Omicron, now believed to be in circulation, was highly transmissible though less virulent. "But it is safe to isolate yourself for five days on testing positive and take symptomatic drugs. Symptoms are likely to remain mild till this wave blows over in about a fortnight. But even mild Covid may aggravate comorbidities, especially those related to lungs," he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Uncertainty looms large over Telangana's Waqf Board's future
1 2 Hyderabad: With uncertainty looming over the existence of the Telangana Waqf Board following the amendment of the Waqf Act 2025, the state govt has sought advice legal advice from the advocate general and law department on whether the existing board should continue. According to official sources, the govt has requested guidance on the matter. Meanwhile, the minority welfare department has reportedly directed Telangana Waqf Board chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni not to convene any board meetings until further orders. The issue came to the fore after chairman Husseni wrote a letter to the chief executive officer of the board last month, requesting that a meeting be convened. As the amended Waqf Act has come into force and there is no stay on its implementation from the Supreme Court , Telangana waqf board CEO Md Asadullah sought the opinion on the matter. Sources noted that the chairman has been forwarding files to the CEO. Officials said that under Section 14 of the amended Waqf Act, the composition of the board has undergone significant changes. While elected members are allowed to complete their terms, all nominated members are required to step down. The state govt is mandated to reconstitute the board in accordance with the new provision of Section 14. "As of now, the board comprises eight members. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Realize novos planos com o banco BV Banco BV Saiba Mais Undo While five are nominated, including the chairman, three are elected, including one from the bar council and two Muthawalis. However, as per the new Act, one Muthawali is allowed, in addition to other elected and nominated members. Moreover, as per the new Act, the elected members should be more than the nominated," a senior official of the minority welfare department said. While the state govt has been adopting a wait-and-watch approach, similar to other states like Karnataka, pending the Supreme Court's verdict on several petitions challenging the new Waqf Act. However, the recent board meetings and decisions taken by the chairman have placed the govt in a fix, prompting it to seek the opinion of the advocate general. However, the chairman, on his part, argued that the last Waqf board meeting was held in October 2024 and several public issues and grievances are still pending. He asserted that it is in the public interest to address these issues. "The board has every power to take up the issues, take decisions and pass resolutions," the chairman informed the govt.
