"Coleman extracted a lesson that would guide his career: "The idea that kids can do more than we think they can," he said. Asking 13-year-olds to give a speech is a bold charge, not unlike recommending AP courses to disadvantaged kids who don't see academic aptitude in themselves."
... He had an epiphany
At age thirteen, many kids are in 8th grade; giving a speech of significant length may be a frequent occurrence. They may be graded by teachers and also peers, following a rubric. Groups like Destination Imagination may also require speeches, as do forensic competitions and the middle school play. 13-1/2 is the age when interested youth may register with the
Congressional Award, documenting their voluntary public service hours, personal development goals, physical fitness projects, and expedition/exploration progress. I personally do not see the stretch in a 13-year old giving a speech.
At the same age, some of the disadvantaged kids may be driving without a license, they are stretching their learning in non-academic ways out of necessity and often unaided by knowledge of societal conventions, rules, or laws.
Meanwhile some of the gifted who have that inborn characteristic of a deep sense of justice many be volunteering at low SES schools in their free time, helping kids with vocabulary as they read, tutoring them in math, encouraging them in their work, answering questions on a dozen things which these kids might not otherwise get answered in daily conversation, and talking up the joy of effort that is part of the growth mindset... just generally reinforcing that these kids are WORTHWHILE, the time with them is well-spent. Gifted kids are found everywhere, including low SES circumstances! But do their own teachers, their own families know why these kids are different... or will this be drummed out of them before high school, APs, and other formal supports are in place?
I am somewhat curious as to how Mr. Coleman spends his uncompensated free time. Is he personally investing himself in making connections with the kids he claims to serve, listening to what they state their needs are, and encouraging them?
