Fifth-graders urge State Board to keep gifted services past elementary school

Bridal Yoder, a fifth-grader at Pike Road Intermediate, told the Alabama State Board of Education on Jan. 19 that gifted education is a “safe place where I'm allowed to be myself,” and asked why gifted services would not continue after fifth grade.

The students' remarks came during the board's public-comment portion of a work session. Multiple children described how the program offered smaller groups, one-on-one attention and opportunities to study advanced topics; one student described dissecting a sheep brain as part of a year-end project. Board members and attending staff thanked the children and their school leaders for bringing the classroom perspective to the meeting.

Why it matters: Board members and staff said they want to highlight classroom success stories even as the board considers broad policy and budget issues. Students and advocates said continuing gifted services past fifth grade would let learners “use [their] full potential” and sustain gains the children and their families attributed to gifted classrooms.

Details and context Bridal Yoder introduced herself as “a fifth grade minor at Pike Road…,” and told the board she has been in gifted services since third grade. “When my mom told me gifted services would not be available to me after the fifth grade, I asked why not?” she said. Another student, Darren, said the program “challenges my brain and makes me feel like I'm always doing something.”

Board and department members present applauded the students and invited them and their school officials to be photographed with the board. No board action or vote on program scope was taken during the public-comment segment; the remarks were recorded as testimony and acknowledgements for board members.

What was not decided Speakers asked the board to preserve or extend gifted services; the transcript records no motion, vote or formal board direction to change program eligibility or funding. Any change in eligibility or statewide policy would require a separate agenda item, staff recommendation and probable follow-up action.

Provenance Topic introduction: "My name is Bridal Yoder, and I'm a fifth grade minor at Pike Road..." (transcript excerpt) Topic finish: "If the board wouldn't mind coming around... we'll all fill in around. And, mister Moore, will you please join us for the picture?" (transcript excerpt)

Ending Board members thanked the students and their school leaders for attending. The public comment will remain part of the official meeting record for board members, staff and district officials to reference in future discussions about program scope.