[fleventynine]

I don't know about gifted programs, but anything that separates kids who don't want to learn from those who do is a good thing; far to much time is wasted in America's schools catering to bad behavior.

[o11c]

At this age it's probably not even about "want to learn" or "bad behavior" but "is capable of reading fluently" vs "can't read at all".

Clearly there's a middle ground, but that doesn't mean the extrema don't need to be separated.

[A4ET8a8uTh0_v2]

This. Frankly, it is aggravating if not depressing that it is somehow issue that should be considered at a national level. It is an issue that it even is an issue.

[jajuuka]

I think you're missing the point. This isn't separating children on "willingness to learn" but based on race.