Wide disparities exist from state to state, and even from one school system to another, when it comes to educational programs for gifted children in public schools, according to a report from the National Association for Gifted Children. With federal dollars limited and states facing major budget crunches, advocates for gifted education fear that they will not be a top priority when it comes to government funding.

The association says federal funding and educational policies focus on helping low-performing students meet basic proficiency requirements, leaving gifted children underserved.

Georgia requires special educational programs for gifted children, but state and local governments pay for it. The programs, and the number of students and teachers assigned to them, vary based on the amount of local financial resources available in each school system.

Contributors: Associated Press

Tags: Georgia, Augusta, georgia education, gifted education, Georgia gifted education