Gifted programs on decline in New York

NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A new policy has significantly limited the number of children taking part in gifted student programs in New York schools this year, data shows.

U.S. Education Department data shows that compared with 2007, the total number of children in public school gifted programs citywide dropped by 50 percent in 2008 as a new school policy took effect, The New York Times said Friday.

The admissions policy was intended to equalize access to such specialized classes for all students after numerous complaints of overcrowding in New York schools.

Despite the new policy this year, a total of 28 New York schools did not have enough gifted program students to open one of the specialized classes.

Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein said this week while the policy was intended to offer equalization in such scholastic efforts, it was not intended to minimize the programs' standards, the Times said.

"We have taken critical steps to expand gifted and talented -- including extensive outreach that has led to many, many more students being tested -- but we won't compromise standards and thereby dilute our programs," he said in a statement.