Decision to pause gifted students program in B.C. draws criticism

A recentdecision to pause admissions toa provincially-fundedprogram for gifted studentshas stokedconcerns among parents and advocates.

The Transition Program for Gifted Students, or the University Transition Program (UTP), is run by B.C.'s Ministry of Education, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) and the University of B.C.

Initiated nearly three decades ago, UTPallowshigh-achieving students tofast-track their academic and career aspirationsbyreducing the duration of theirsecondaryschool experience from five yearsto two years, and offeringexperiences to prepare them foruniversity life.

According to VSB, the program accepts a maximum of 20 new studentsbetween the ages 13 and15 each year.

UTPannounced last month that it ishalting enrolments fortheSeptember 2024-25 intake amid concerns over students' mental health, and the program is undergoing a formal external review.

"Several concerns about the program have been brought to the attention of the ministry, VSB and UBC, and most recently these concerns highlighted negative impacts on the students' mental health and well-being," it said in a statement.

UTP'salumni and parent advisory council saythey fear the move might be a final attempt toshelvethegifted student program.

Tracy Adole's 14-year-old daughter is currently in her second year at UTP.

"When [my daughter]was in the regular school...she didn't like [attending] because she didn't fit in," Adoletold CBC News during a telephone interview.

"It wasn't challenging enough for her, but once she got into the programshe came to life."

B.C.'s Ministry of Education informed CBC Newsthe program will continue to operate for students who are currently enrolled.

Adole, who is aparent advisory council member, sayswhileshewelcomes the external review, she doesn't support pausing the program.

"As an immigrant from Nigeria, the program made learning better for my child because I don't have the money to send her to a private school," she added."Others are not going to have that opportunity anymore."

Gifted Children's Association of British Columbiashared similar sentiments in an email to CBCNews, saying"the actions related to this review send a message to the students and their parents who have concerns that appropriate programs for gifted learners are being, or may beeliminated."

According to theschool board, thepause does not mean a decision about the program has been made.

VSB also said aconsultation processwill bepart of the external review.

"As this review takes place, it is crucial to give this process the time and space it needs to be thorough and objective," the board wrote.

The move to temporarily halt the transition program comes afterchanges to other "gifted student" programs, said one UTP alum.

"B.C. has pursued a multi-year, sustained effort to handicap enrichment education," alum James Dai told CBC News.

In 2021, the school board changed its multi-age cluster classes,which providedacademic enrichment to support high IQ students from Grades 4 to 7,froma year-round program to a series of part-time sessions lasting six weeks.

It also revised capacityfrom 80 to 700 studentsannually, stating "segregating learners with a gifted designation among themselves does not develop a well-rounded student."

VSB saysseveral other avenues are available to support students with a gifted learning designation.

"Families can choose to be supported in mainstream classrooms as well as programs such as gifted outreach programs [including] mini schools, the International Baccalaureate program,advanced placement courses andgifted education centres."

Debate over 'gifted' label for students

The school board defines "gifted learners"as students with an IQ of 130 or higher.

Advocates for inclusive education, however, say regular classrooms can meet the needs of all children, including the gifted and those with learning disabilities.

"Gifted is a loaded term," says Gordon Porter, director of Inclusive Education Canada.

"Parents need to see that learners now labelled 'gifted'are being successfully served without being separated from their peers to have confidence in that approach," Porter said.

The Early Edition8:19Last week the University Transition Program for Gifted Students was put on pause for mental health reasons

We talk to our On Your Mind columnist Lawrence Sheppard about the mental health challenges of being a gifted student.

Clinical counsellor Lawrence Sheppard, on the other hand,says thedesignation is helpful for high-performing children.

"Certain people are going to be outliersin one way or the other...and I think it's fine to recognize these things and encourage these things," he toldCBC's The Early Edition.

ForUTP alum Dai, the program wasa safe space where they couldcelebrate their differences.

"Multiple classmates...theirschool situations were leading to bullying anddestructive boredom," he said. "Until theyfound their peopleat the UTP, they were heading towards a dark place."