Chinese parents do organize and teach classes outside of the public schools, and where we live, the subjects have included Chinese language, art, contest math, English, and chess... and are open to everyone.
What an incredible investment of effort, for the sake of children's futures... and what generosity of spirit to offer access to all. In our area the Chinese Saturday School also welcomes all, and focuses on keeping 2nd and 3rd generation children in touch with their history, culture, and heritage. Some of these families
come from incredible poverty but quickly recognize and seize opportunities to build themselves up.
When children are very young, giftedness may be best measured by innate ability, native intelligence, high IQ... but eventually... by the time of high school admissions... or certainly college admissions... achievement and accomplishment matter when determining who may most need and benefit from advanced academics.
The cultivation of other traits and skills (such as ambition, drive, motivation, persistence, effort, perseverance, flexibility, resilience, grit, curiosity, mindset, teamwork, learning from mistakes, self-discipline, self-control, and being a life-long learner) has long been acknowledged as important for success... possibly even more important than IQ. These skills, the value placed on self-improvement, and personal responsibility for developing these traits, have long been taught in families. I am firm believer in
enriched home environments. Many of the ideas cost nothing... including frequent trips to the local public library... and especially holding conversations with one's offspring from a very early age (which research indicates as resulting in vocabulary development and brain development, preparing children for further growth).
