gifted education in mexico
TRANSCRIPT
Pedro Sanchez, UADY
Gifted Education in Mexico
Country overview
Mexico belongs geographically to North-America, ethnologically abides to Latin America, and was the site of advanced Amerindian civilizations that came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century.
Today, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world with nearly 110 million people and 2 million square kilometers.
About 76% of the people live in urban areas and nearly 15% of the population has immigrated to the north. The official currency is the peso and the GNI per capita is US $9,980 (World Bank, 2008).
Data
• 32 states• School systems serves 34
million students.• 9th grade education on
the average.• Diverse population:
more than 65 different ethnic groups
Why it is important for a developing country to take care of gifted students?
Gifted education
The first official program for the gifted was implemented early in the 1980’s as the Model of service to gifted students (CAS).
Student selection based primarily on nomination from teachers and other education authorities.
This method included many children without potential to excel consumed resources for gifted programs.
Types
Gifted– High IQ, creativity and
thrust to achieve.
Talented– Distinguished in sports and arts. (no formal
services).
Perseverant, dedicated students
Students who dedicate time and effort to school matters.
Current policies
• Improve in-school and community enrichment.
• Expand the number of students identified and served.
• Provide economic support (for poor families) and social and emotional support for all students.
• Promote acceleration
This presentation will discuss:
• Difficulties in screening gifted students in Mexico• Programs and services for gifted students.• Prejudice against acceleration• Perspectives and expected benefits from their attention.
Difficulties in screening
Screening:• Lack of valid and reliable
instruments.• Dedication vs.
Giftedness.• Absence of a culture of
Merit.• Interpersonal
connections.• Emphasis on
disadvantage.
Programs and services
• Stimulation• Acceleration• Enrichmentt
Stimulation
• Contexts, festivals, workshops• Field trips• Scholarships• Honor list etc.
Enrichment• Summer camps• Special summer courses• Assistantships to
researchers• Study abroad programs
(national and international)
Mexican Scholars Program…
Video: A bit of Yucatán 2007 NO
Ver video
Diary reportsanxiety about social relations
Gender differences: girls listing the names of people
and calling them “pretty” or “funny”. Boys referred to groups: “the americans”.
Diary reportsSense of equality an
friendship with Americans.
Positive and fulfilling experience.
Desires to study, interest in research an ambition to
attend American universities.
Limitations to stimulation and enrichment
• Expensive• Limited to few private and
urban schools.• Lack of follow up strategies.• Programs are directed to
motivate, not to develop aptitudes
Acceleration
• Reluctance to accelerate students either partially or totally.
• Lack of training in analyzing empirical evidence.
• Parents with many rights and few obligations.
Priorities
• Teacher trainig• Provide administrative
guidelines for acceleration
• Refine screening processes
• Follow up long term to assess results.
Why it is important to serve the gifted? • Country's assets
• Decrease brain drain• Foster economic and social
development
Welcome to México!