The majority misunderstands stubborn Jane, Curious John, Contrary Mary, Independent Michael, Adventurous Bobby, Nonconforming Winston, and thousands of their kindred who march to the beat of a different drummer. They are creative thinkers. If their spirits are not broken before they reach adulthood, they will invent something useful, compose a great symphony, discover a scientific principle, approach medical problems with new insight, and they will contribute immeasurably to the betterment of society.
But many creative children will reach their peak at fourth grade and steadily decline to…