There is an extreme disparity in both quantity and quality of gifted programs from state to state and school district to district. A Case for Developing America's Talent discusses this disparity between states and within states regarding programs, services, and levels of teacher preparedness in the gifted education field. Gifted education programming decisions are made at the state level, or more often by local school districts. The vast majority of states provide little, if any, funding for gifted students. Federal funding is needed to help remedy this inequity by providing resources to states to encourage them to establish programs where there are none and to improve existing programs.
Gifted children come from all racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
Some gifted children also have disabilities. The majority of families, however, must rely on public schools for their children's education. When these schools are not prepared to meet the needs of gifted students, the gifted students are, in effect, deprived of an appropriate education. As a result, failing to provide gifted and talented programs in public schools becomes elitist. Parents must have access to information if they are to become involved and responsible partners in the education of their children.