I view gifted programs that offer experiences to gifted students that would actually benefit more students than are given access to them to be elitist.
At one point, advanced academics were provided based on student
need for advanced material in order to learn something new.
Then came a movement to provide advanced academics to those who
need or
may benefit from the the advanced material. The students who "may benefit from" the advanced academics often needed additional supports. An example was allowing students to enroll in AP courses, without having taken prerequisites. While focusing on this group, the needs of the highest group of students (gifted students) tended to be ignored.
I am a proponent of expanding the number of seats in any gifted program or advanced academics to meet the number of pupils who qualify.
