Enrolling Jimmy Neutron in Online Classes

Gifted students who aren't challenged at school can face problems including poor work habits, underachieving, losing motivation, and serious behavior problems. Here's a brain blast for parents about Jimmy Neutron, Nickelodeon's boy genius whose inventions always get him into trouble: he needs to discover online learning.

Why Jimmy Isn't Challenged

Jimmy and the other 2.4 million gifted students in the United States are getting the shaft when it comes to public education. There are no federal laws to make sure that Jimmy and crew are evaluated or that they receive education that matches their learning abilities. Sadly, only five states mandate and fully fund gifted programming, and the existing programs are threatened. While trying to comply with No Child Left Behind, states seem to be sacrificing existing gifted programs to help lower-achieving students to learn at grade level.

 

Online Classes Save the Day

For those students who aren't being challenged academically, the Davidson Institute for Talent Development recommends academic acceleration, including grade-skipping, concurrent enrollment in different schools, and advanced education.

Enter online learning. From the safety of your home, your boy or girl genius can enroll in online classes and learn just about anything. Even better, with distance learning programs, you don't have to worry about your child getting lost on campus or getting invited to a frat party.

What to Do about Jimmy

If you're the parent of a gifted student, check out all the resources available through your child's school and school district. Some districts employ gifted education coordinators who can help you choose online courses and identify resources that might help you pay for your child's distance learning program.

 

Not a Jimmy? There's an Online Class for Everyone

Only one in 1 million people has an IQ over 180, and Jimmy Neutron's is 214. With those kinds of numbers, many of us rank somewhere under genius. The great news is that the growing number of online classes ensures that there's education for everyone, boy genius and veteran learner alike.

Sources:
The Davidson Institute for Talent Development, "The Sorry State of Gifted Education"
PBS.org