Advocacy: Differentiation: Asset or Liability for Gifted Education?

Sandra N. Kaplan

The proliferation of definitions and practices related to differentiation has resulted in the overpopularization and subsequent diffusion of the term. The concept of differentiation has been used traditionally to recognize and support the differing needs, abilities, and interest of students. Today, this very same term could become a liability for gifted education. Ideas used to advocate on behalf of a cause have a definitive life span. The question is whether the idea of differentiation is at the point when it has lost its vitality to be a part of the advocacy efforts on behalf of gifted students.

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