The Current State of Gifted Education and Advocacy Efforts in the Czech Republic

The story of gifted education in the Czech Republic is that of individuals who have been successful despite the system. Despite decades of work, a functional system for caring for gifted individuals–including the education of teachers in gifted curriculum and pedagogy–has been lacking in the Czech Republic. Gifted children who attend public schools often encounter a misunderstanding of their needs or an unwillingness to foster their talents. Twice-exceptional students have few resources and even less understanding from the educational system. This panel will be a discussion of the path toward educational equity for gifted students in the Czech Republic from a variety of perspectives: advocates, researchers, teachers, counselors, parents, and students. Along with presenting the history of gifted education, the panelists will offer solutions so that extraordinarily talented Czech students–and those like them–can realize their potential without roadblocks.