More money for gifted children in schools

The Dutch government has set aside ten million euros for the education of gifted children in primary schools. Deputy Education Minister Sharon Dijksma says at the moment lessons are not challenging enough for very intelligent children.

Research shows that a third of gifted children gain lower grades than they are actually capable of. She says, some schools do try to help children with a higher than average IQ, but she thinks the government should take more responsibility for this group. The deputy minister wants extra lessons or different teaching methods to be used, primary schools could also work with universities.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 24 August 2008