Pedro Sanchez, UADY

Gifted Education in Mexico

Country overview

Mexico belongs geographically to North-America, ethnologically abides to Latin America, and was the site of advanced Amerindian civilizations that came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century.

Today, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world with nearly 110 million people and 2 million square kilometers.

About 76% of the people live in urban areas and nearly 15% of the population has immigrated to the north. The official currency is the peso and the GNI per capita is US $9,980 (World Bank, 2008).

Data

• 32 states• School systems serves 34

million students.• 9th grade education on

the average.• Diverse population:

more than 65 different ethnic groups

Why it is important for a developing country to take care of gifted students?

Gifted education

The first official program for the gifted was implemented early in the 1980’s as the Model of service to gifted students (CAS).

Student selection based primarily on nomination from teachers and other education authorities.

This method included many children without potential to excel consumed resources for gifted programs.

Types

Gifted– High IQ, creativity and

thrust to achieve.

Talented– Distinguished in sports and arts. (no formal

services).

Perseverant, dedicated students

Students who dedicate time and effort to school matters.

Current policies

• Improve in-school and community enrichment.

• Expand the number of students identified and served.

• Provide economic support (for poor families) and social and emotional support for all students.

• Promote acceleration

This presentation will discuss:

• Difficulties in screening gifted students in Mexico• Programs and services for gifted students.• Prejudice against acceleration• Perspectives and expected benefits from their attention.

Difficulties in screening

Screening:• Lack of valid and reliable

instruments.• Dedication vs.

Giftedness.• Absence of a culture of

Merit.• Interpersonal

connections.• Emphasis on

disadvantage.

Programs and services

• Stimulation• Acceleration• Enrichmentt

Stimulation

• Contexts, festivals, workshops• Field trips• Scholarships• Honor list etc.

Enrichment• Summer camps• Special summer courses• Assistantships to

researchers• Study abroad programs

(national and international)

Mexican Scholars Program…

Video: A bit of Yucatán 2007 NO

Ver video

Diary reportsanxiety about social relations

Gender differences: girls listing the names of people

and calling them “pretty” or “funny”. Boys referred to groups: “the americans”.

Diary reportsSense of equality an

friendship with Americans.

Positive and fulfilling experience.

Desires to study, interest in research an ambition to

attend American universities.

Limitations to stimulation and enrichment

• Expensive• Limited to few private and

urban schools.• Lack of follow up strategies.• Programs are directed to

motivate, not to develop aptitudes

Acceleration

• Reluctance to accelerate students either partially or totally.

• Lack of training in analyzing empirical evidence.

• Parents with many rights and few obligations.

Priorities

• Teacher trainig• Provide administrative

guidelines for acceleration

• Refine screening processes

• Follow up long term to assess results.

Why it is important to serve the gifted? • Country's assets

• Decrease brain drain• Foster economic and social

development

Welcome to México!