This article presents an overview of the status of gifted education in Cyprus and argues for the need for a culturally relevant approach. First, the history of education in Cyprus is briefly reviewed. Then, past unsuccessful efforts to provide education for academically advanced students in the public elementary schools are critically examined. This is followed by a discussion of the current interest around the issue. Then, the need for a culturally relevant approach is presented as a solution to the paradox demanding special provisions while resisting the foreign educational practices that were introduced for this purpose. The idea of gifts and talents in the Greek culture is explored, presenting a person-centered philosophy that is compatible with the local social ethos. Finally, the current educational reality is examined against this person-centered belief, including a discussion of the inclusion movement and the barriers to the accommodation of the diversity of students’ abilities.
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