What are excellence gaps and how can we close them? An interview with Jonathan Plucker and Scott Peters

ABSTRACT

The interview with Jonathan Plucker and Scott Peters presents the Excellence Gap as a concern to be noted in the United States as well as internationally. The Excellence Gap came to light as an important topic to inform policy when the Achievement Gap reached a high priority in U.S. schools. The emphasis on the Achievement Gap focused attention on students who had not yet reached proficiency, yet did not offer comparable attention to students who had already reached proficiency or beyond. The interview traces the history of the Excellence Gap literature and discussion of the implications, as well as presenting strategies for addressing the Excellence Gap.

Keywords:

• Excellence gap
• equity

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Correction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Brief Bios

Jonathan Plucker is the Julian C. Stanley Endowed Professor of Talent Development at Johns Hopkins University, USA, where he works in the Center for Talented Youth and School of Education. His research examines creativity and intelligence, education policy, and talent development. Recent books include Excellence Gaps in Education with Scott Peters, From Giftedness to Gifted Education with Anne Rinn and Matt Makel, Intelligence 101 with Amber Esping, and Creativity and Innovation. Prof. Plucker is the recipient of the 2012 Arnheim Award for Outstanding Achievement from the American Psychological Association and the 2013 Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Association for Gifted Children. He is president-elect of NAGC.

Scott J. Peters is an Associate Professor of Educational Foundations and the Richard and Veronica Telfer Endowed Faculty Fellow of Education at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, USA. His research work focuses on educational assessment, gifted and talented student identification, disproportionality, and educational policy. His recent books include Designing Gifted Education Programs and Services with Dina Brulles, Excellence Gaps in Education with Jonathan Plucker, and Beyond Gifted Education: Designing and Implementing Advanced Academic Programs with Michael Matthews, Matthew McBee, and Betsy McCoach.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tyler Clark

Tyler Clark M.Sc., is Executive Administrator of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. He also manages various projects with The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University including programming for gifted students and their educators. He is currently pursuing an EdD at Western Kentucky University with an emphasis on postsecondary leadership and gifted education and talent development.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts, Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, is Executive Director of The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and The Center for Gifted Studies. Dr. Roberts is president of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children.