680. Why Should We Protect Gifted and Talented Programs? The Case for Merit in Education

This episode of The Way the World Works explores the importance of merit-based education, focusing on the controversy surrounding gifted and talented (G&T) programs in public schools, particularly in New York City. The host argues that these programs are essential for nurturing high-achieving students who are ready for advanced learning, emphasizing that merit means earning rewards based on skill and effort—not privilege. He critiques recent political moves, including those by Democratic socialist candidate Zoran Mamdani, to abolish G&T programs, calling such efforts misguided and rooted in flawed assumptions about race and privilege. The host highlights that success in these programs often comes from cultural values around education, hard work, and family sacrifice—especially among immigrant families—rather than inherent racial or socioeconomic advantages. He warns that eliminating merit-based tracking harms both high-achieving students and the principle of fair competition, and cautions against the dangerous idea that everyone should be given the same opportunities regardless of readiness or ability.