Scottish Schools Accused of Overlooking Talented Pupils, Advocates Say

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It is alleged that talented students in Scotland are becoming more overlooked by educational institutions.

Since the pandemic began, the number of students getting additional support in class because of conditions like dyslexia, autism, and mental health issues has surged by 58 percent.

In the meantime, the number of people receiving extra tasks to keep them engaged and stimulated has dropped by 17 percent.

This disclosure emerges as ministers encounter increasing demands to implement educational reforms due to declining standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, compounded by rising violence, poor discipline, and truancy.

Yesterday evening, Chris McGovern, who leads the Campaign for Real Education, stated: "The oversight of the most capable children – be they academically inclined or skilled practically – could have severely negative consequences."

'So-called inclusive education ought to involve accommodating various capabilities and maximizing what each individual can contribute.'

He commented, "It can be highly frustrating for kids not to be educated according to their capabilities, which may impact their mental well-being."

'Troublesome behavior in class may frequently stem from some of the most intelligent students feeling unchallenged.'

In 2007, just 1 percent of students required additional support needs (ASN); this percentage has since risen to 40 percent.

The pace of growth has quickened since the initial Covid-19 lockdown when schools were closed for five months.

The number of individuals identified as having autism disorders has surged by 69% from 21,820 in 2020 to 36,773, according to recently released data from the Scottish Government.

The incidence of dyslexia has increased by 46 percent, rising from 24,132 cases to 35,245.

And currently, 12,707 students are receiving support for mental health issues, which represents an increase of 69% from the previous count of 7,524.

Nevertheless, as the number of diagnosed cases increases, individuals with outstanding academic talents appear to be getting overlooked.

Schools are legally obligated to offer extra assistance to ensure students can fully develop their 'capabilities and...potential'....

However, due to the lockdown, the number of students recognized as "more able" and receiving additional support decreased by 17%, falling from 3,493 to 2,896.

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Steve Ramsden, who leads Potential Plus UK—a charity dedicated to assisting schools and parents in educating highly capable children—stated: "It’s common for 'more able' students to be given lower priority."

'There is no emphasis on identifying or teaching these children within teacher training programs.'

Failing to offer suitable education for "high-achieving" students might result in a unpleasant schooling experience and persistent sensations of inadequacy throughout their lives.

'It may result in withdrawal from education; inadequate social skills, negative self-perception and low self-worth; excessive striving for flawlessness; inability to cope with challenges; and an underachievement of personal capabilities.'

These are students whom the educational system has let down. For broader society, consider the cumulative loss of individuals who could have made significant contributions but instead see their potential go unrealized.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government stated: “Every child and young person deserves access to support that enables them to achieve their fullest potential without encountering obstacles to their education.”

'Every teacher completes ASN training, which is mandatory for registering with the General Teaching Council of Scotland.'

Our comprehensive strategy for education throughout Scotland ensures that additional support needs are gaining more recognition from local councils, who have the legal duty to oversee schools.

We acknowledge that the increase in ASN poses several challenges. That's why we're providing a funding package of £28 million to hire additional specialized staff and teachers to assist with ASN needs within schools, along with an extra £1 million aimed at recruitment and training efforts.