The Underrepresentation of Latina/o Students in Gifted Programs: Where Are the Gifted Latina/o Children?

• In Event: 66.058 - Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: 66.058-15 - Opportunities and Challenges for Underrepresented Gifted and Talented Students

Abstract

Despite efforts to achieve educational equality for all children, there is an underrepresentation of Latino/a students in gifted programs (National Association for Gifted Education, 2016). In fact, research indicates Latino/a students are less likely to be nominated for admission into gifted programs in comparison to White students (Ford, Coleman, & Davis, 2014). This paper examines the issue of underrepresentation of Latino/a students in gifted programs. The findings suggest this is due, in part, to traditional identification methods which heavily rely in the used of IQ measurements, which have shown to be bias against minority students. This phenomenon produces unequal educational opportunities, which jeopardized the educational future of Latino/a students trying to attain a better future despite social and economic barriers.

Author

• German A. Diaz, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee