Recently, a major debate among school boards nationwide has received much attention because of the impact it could potentially have on our current education system. The debate focuses on the question of separate versus integrated classes and whether or not separate classes for gifted students should be implemented in schools across America. Generally, in integrated classes, students classified as "gifted" will work within and among "average" students, that is, those who receive the appropriate level of education based on their abilities and maturity . Many parents and organizations have spoken out against this class format, arguing that gifted children are not able to reach their full potential when following a curriculum designed for the average student. They believe these students should be separated from their peers and placed in gifted classes where they will be taught in a way that allows students to make the most of their abilities. However, a change like this requires increased staffing, scheduling and funding for schools nationwide and, given that education is undergoing significant budget cuts across America, this demand seems impossible to satisfy. Completely separate classes are unlikely to be funded, but gifted students can still receive the education they need at a much lower cost to the school by having one specialized special education teacher per school with whom children spend part of their day to satisfy their need for mental stimulation. this is beyond what they get in their current classrooms. The main force behind the push for completely separate classrooms are organizations like the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) whose main goal is...... middle of paper... ...and curriculum of studies. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, nd Web. February 11, 2014.Marsh, Herbert W. The Effects of Gifted and Talented Programs on Academic Self-Concept: TheBig Fish Strikes Again. American Journal of Educational Research. No. 2. Vol. 32. NP: American Educational Research Association, 2009. JSTOR. Internet. February 11, 2014. Renzulli, Joseph S. More changes needed to expand gifted identification and support. Rep. No. 8. Flight. 92. NP: Phi Delta Kappa International, 2011. JSTOR. Internet. January 24, 2014. “Teacher training makes the difference. » NAGC. National Association for Gifted Children, 2008.Web. February 23, 2014. “U.S. Department of Education.” US Department of Education. Np, and Web. February 22, 2014. “Check your state's policy on gifted and talented education. » Check your state's policy on gifted and talented education. Np, and Web. January 24. 2014.