Gifted Child Education: Past and Present Dispensation.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper, presented at the International Conference on Education for the Gifted, examines the Republic of South Africa's historical provision of education for the highly gifted as well as the present status of such service. A brief review is provided of the educational planning process and recommendations are outlined for a national system of differentiated education in accordance with students' capacities. Other aspects of gifted education discussed include identification of highly gifted pupils and provision of education at elementary and secondary levels. A summary of some of the recommendations formulated by the Human Sciences Research Council during its investigation into the Republic's educational system are presented. Specific recommendations focus on educational structure, education for the highly gifted, and a research program on education of the highly gifted. The present status of education provision for the highly gifted is then described, discussing the definition of giftedness, identification of gifted pupils, education for highly gifted handicapped pupils and highly gifted underachievers, guidance for highly gifted pupils and their parents, teacher training, and special program development. (JDD)