Rochester SAGE asked Joanna VanRaaphorst and Tom McMillin, candidates for State Representative in Michigan's District 45 questions regarding gifted education.  Here are the responses from Democrat Joanna VanRaaphorst.

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Thank you for the opportunity to share with you my views on Special and Gifted Education.  First, I must share that coming from an educator’s family (my late father was a middle school counselor, my late mother-in-law taught advanced high school science and my twin sister currently teaches 5^th grade) I feel that ALL children are special and gifted each in their own way. Case in point would be my own two children.  One excelled in math and science while the other’s English and social skills were always off the charts!

As a part of my research on this important topic, I spoke with the following people to answer your questions.  Dr. John Schultz, former school supt., Barb Cenko, former RCS School Board member, Beth Talbert, current school board member, Dr. Zumsteg, interim RCS Supt. and Carolyn Matzinger.

1)     Currently most gifted students in Michigan’s public schools are not being taught at their academic level.  As a legislator, what bills would you support to increase gifted education?

I would be supportive of any bill, which help schools meet the individual needs of our children. This would include special needs children, children in poverty, and gifted and talented children

2)    Gifted students make up about 5-7% of the population.  Should taking a class in teaching gifted students be part of becoming a Highly Qualified Teacher?  Why or why not?

Highly qualified teachers are teachers who teach in their specific area of study.  My understanding is a part of all current teaching training is being able to differentiate for children of various ability levels, including those with higher abilities.

3)    Schools often claim lack of funding is the primary reason they can’t provide gifted education.  Should the state allocate funds for gifted education?  Why or why not?

I am extremely concerned about school funding. I would like to protect the funding sources for all of our students. If we were able to increase overall funding for schools, I would support providing some monies to increase the teaching and learning of gifted and talented students. However, I do not want to allocate funding for one group of students at the expense of another group of students. I think we need a stable and continuous source of funding for all students.

4)    Should the state mandate identification or services for gifted and talented education in public schools?  Why or why not?

I understand from my numerous education friends that identification of gifted and talented children needs to have a multifaceted approach. I would rather local school districts determine research-based identification and services for gifted and talented students rather than leaving this up to the state.

5)    Many parents of gifted children believe gifted charter schools are the best option for properly educating gifted learners.  Would you support gifted charter schools?  Why or why not?

I am supportive of a limited number of charter schools in low achieving and high poverty areas. I have three concerns with a charter school that only accepted children of a certain ability level. One, it is unconstitutional for a public school to turn away students based on ability. Two, I would worry that this type of school in a high achieving district like Rochester would siphon already limited dollars to our Rochester Community Schools. Finally, I would be concerned that the identification process would be so narrow that a child who is both a special needs child and gifted would not be allowed in the school.

I know from my own children’s experience in our public schools here in Rochester that their education was enhanced greatly from interacting with children of all abilities.  In addition, they were able to take advanced classes (AP or honors) in numerous subjects, as did many of their peers. Many of our students start college with quite a few college credits under their belt, including my own.   To me, this interaction with a whole host of children it is the best of all possible solutions.

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You can read more about Joanna VanRaaphorst and her positions on issues that affect our community at www.joannaforrochester.com.

Please join us at Rochester SAGE.  Together we can make a difference for gifted children!