I've heard this phrase many times over the last 10 years to describe students who are achieving above grade level expectations. The assumption is that no matter what teachers and schools do (or don't do) for these students, we expect them to thrive both academically and socially.
For too long, the American education system (especially at the K-8 levels) has depended on out-of-school experiences to challenge students and help them continue to grow in their learning. Yet, the lack of academically challenging instruction on a consistent basis during the school day and a mechanism to recognize and develop academic talent in more students is exactly what drives disparities at the highest academic levels.
In the national education effort to not leave any student behind, we have not systematically supported students with academic potential to move ahead either. There are solutions and program models that address excellence and equity together, not requiring schools to give up one for the other.
For too long, the American education system (especially at the K-8 levels) has depended on out-of-school experiences to challenge students and help them continue to grow in their learning. Yet, the lack of academically challenging instruction on a consistent basis during the school day and a mechanism to recognize and develop academic talent in more students is exactly what drives disparities at the highest academic levels.
In the national education effort to not leave any student behind, we have not systematically supported students with academic potential to move ahead either. There are solutions and program models that address excellence and equity together, not requiring schools to give up one for the other.