I was part of one between 86 and 90. I wasn't actually TAUGHT all that much extra with the exception of a few classes that were specifically for the gifted program students, mostly dealing with math. One of them in third grade was a class almost entirely devoted to logic problems. The grand majority of my time in the program I was tested in a variety of ways and had frequent meetings with a nice man who I am pretty sure was a psychologist. He didn't talk about any home stuff or any feelings type stuff. I think he was just there to gauge my progress in the program.

The testing included everything from memory to cognitive reasoning to light and sound sensitivity to reflexes.

Do I think this was some nefarious plot to change me into some super soldier or some other crap? No. I do, however, think that the skills that I picked up in those classes and testing sessions are heavily responsible for my ability to think critically and my penchant for not putting up with stupid bullshit.

The negatives? I was ostracized by many of my peers because I was in a "special program". I chalk this up to jealousy for the most part as I was out of the main classroom at least once a week for this program.

Beyond that, I am unaware of any negatives of being in the program. That being said, it was nearly 30 years ago when I started. Things may have changed.

All of THAT being said, public school is freaking evil in a lot of ways. If you can, get the kiddos out as soon as possible.