Jane Clarenbach
PER
Jane Clarenbach Clarenbach
There are fewer classes for gifted elementary and middle school children today than there were a decade ago, said Jane Clarenbach, public relations director of the National Association for Gifted Children. Ms. Clarenbach said the federal No Child Left Behind law was eroding support for gifted services. Passed in 2002, the law rates schools on how students perform on reading and math tests, pressuring districts to focus resources on students struggling to attain proficiency. Ms. Clarenbach said it's important to challenge the kids on the other end, too. She said that while the extra $90 million President Bush has budgeted this year for Advanced Placement math and science programs was good news, the need to do more K to 8 so more kids will be in a position to take the A.P. tests in high school.