FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

What key aspect did the Gifted and Talented Children's Act (1978) emphasize?

1. It eliminated funding for higher education programs

2. It expanded the definition of gifted and talented education

3. It mandated specific teaching methods for gifted students

4. It provided testing guidelines for students with disabilities

The correct answer is: It expanded the definition of gifted and talented education

The Gifted and Talented Children's Act of 1978 primarily focused on expanding the definition of gifted and talented education. This legislative action recognized the need to identify and serve a broader range of students who demonstrate exceptional abilities and potential. By expanding the definition, the Act aimed to ensure that more students could benefit from tailored educational programs that addressed their unique needs and strengths, thereby promoting equity in access to educational opportunities for gifted learners. In the context of the other options, they do not align with the principal goals of the Act. The Act did not eliminate funding for higher education programs, mandate specific teaching methods, or focus on testing guidelines for students with disabilities. Instead, its emphasis was on the identification and support of gifted and talented students, recognizing their potential and the need for appropriate educational experiences.