Executive Summary
In order to advance innovation and secure national competitiveness in science and technology, the United States needs a national strategy for advanced talent development in elementary and secondary education. The White House and Congress have an opportunity to use executive authority and legislation to require federal agencies to establish a comprehensive national strategy for identifying and developing K-12 students with the potential for high achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
During the twentieth century, the United States enacted national policies, including the National Defense Education Act of 1958, aiming to identify and develop students with the potential for advanced coursework. However, for more than a half century, federal education policy has broadly neglected the most talented students.
Restoring a national focus on identifying and nurturing K-12 students with the potential for high achievement is necessary for supporting national security and economic competitiveness, promoting scientific and technological discovery, and enabling human flourishing. Research supports the need for reforming federal education policies to prioritize advanced talent development. Longitudinal evidence shows that exceptionally talented K-12 students who are identified and offered advanced coursework have the potential to drive scientific innovation and economic growth. Moreover, evidence indicates that education interventions to promote advanced learning opportunities benefit students. However, the U.S. often fails to identify and nurture talented students by offering these opportunities.
We recommend the following:
- President Trump should issue an executive order calling for “A National Strategy for Advanced Talent Development in American K-12 Education.”
- The heads of departments—particularly the National Science Foundation, Department of Education, Department of Energy, and Department of Defense—should prioritize advanced talent development within their programs and activities.
- Congress should prioritize advanced talent development in federal appropriations and use its authorities to establish or elevate initiatives focused on identifying and providing better learning opportunities for students with outstanding aptitudes and ability.
