I have strong opinions about individualized education, for all children. And yes, I would agree with you that more formalized ways to assess and place children would better serve them all. I have difficulty with placing profoundly disabled children in an all inclusive setting, where their needs are not adequately met. It makes no sense to do the same to children at the other end. Schools with special ed programs that really work do a good job at assessment and educational planning/implementation. They set appropriate goals and know what interventions to use to meet those goals for the children identified with special needs. Quite frankly, I think that system should be in place for all children. But I guess that's asking too much of the educational system.
I live in IL - one of the lowest ranked states on the special education continuum. Three guesses where they rank gifted education (and the first two guesses don't count!).
