Overview

In this provocative volume, Chester E. Finn, Jr., and Brandon L. Wright argue that, for decades, the United States has done too little to focus on educating students to achieve at high levels. The authors identify two core problems: First, compared to other countries, the United States does not produce enough high achievers. Second, students from disadvantaged backgrounds are severely underrepresented among those high achievers. The authors describe educating students to high levels of achievement as an issue of both equity and human capital: talented students deserve appropriate resources and attention, and the nation needs to develop these students’ abilities to remain competitive in the international arena. The authors embark on a study of twelve countries and regions to address these issues, exploring the structures and practices that enable some countries to produce a higher proportion of high-achieving students than the United States and to more equitably represent disadvantaged students amongtheir top scorers. Based on this research, the authors present a series of ambitious but pragmatic points that they believe should inform US policy in this area. This candid and engaging book takes a topic that is largely discussed behind closed doors and puts it squarely on the table for public debate.

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9781612508412

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Reviews

What is society's responsibility vis-a-vis children who excel in school? Finn and Wright (both, Thomas B. Fordham Institute) do a brilliant job of tackling this thorny question through the lens of policy. This volume leaves readers be they scholars, parents, or policy makers with a deep understanding of what it will take to address the special needs of under-served, high-achieving students in the US and bring their talents to fruition. --R. F. Subotnik, CHOICE Connect

With this vital and controversial book, Checker Finn and Brandon Wright have made a huge contribution to educational thinking on a subject that has been neglected for far too long. Policy makers across America and beyond should pay attention! Sir Michael Barber, chief education advisor, Pearson

What is society's responsibility vis-a-vis children who excel in school? Finn and Wright (both, Thomas B. Fordham Institute) do a brilliant job of tackling this thorny question through the lens of policy. This volume leaves readers--be they scholars, parents, or policy makers--with a deep understanding of what it will take to address the special needs of under-served, high-achieving students in the US and bring their talents to fruition. --R. F. Subotnik, CHOICE Connect From the very outset, the authors wade unflinchingly into turbulent waters of identifying gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while holding aloft the flag for our nation's high flyers. No fife and drums were needed to herald the advance of their ideas; their words march forth on their own. --Kumar Singam, Examiner All of us need these talented individuals, and to cultivate them we should examine how other countries do it. The bulk of Failing Our Brightest Kids does precisely that...The profiles are informative, and they offer school officials examples to follow and the rhetoric to justify them. --Mark Bauerlein, Education Next The best book on gifted education I have ever encountered. --Jay Mathews, Washington Post

All of us need these talented individuals, and to cultivate them we should examine how other countries do it. The bulk of Failing Our Brightest Kids does precisely that...The profiles are informative, and they offer school officials examples to follow and the rhetoric to justify them. --Mark Bauerlein, Education Next

The best book on gifted education I have ever encountered. --Jay Matthews, Washington Post

Author Information

Chester E. Finn, Jr, is a distinguished senior fellow and president emeritus at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, and a senior fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, USA. Brandon L. Wright is a managing editor and policy associate at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, USA.

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