Gifted Education in the Netherlands

In the summer of 2011, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science presented a letter to the Cabinet, containing the policy objectives for the education of talented, gifted, and highly gifted students. In action plans for primary, secondary, and higher education, in addition to the development of teacher skills, specific measures were announced, which should lead to better education and opportunities for developing the potential of these students. This article gives an overview of the current state of affairs in the Netherlands regarding the Dutch educational system and the education of talented, highly gifted, and outstanding students including which talents are valued and what beliefs people have about gifted individuals. The Minister's objectives for future directions in this regard, as described in the action plans, are also discussed.