What event prior to the 1970s sparked interest in gifted education?

The launch of Sputnik in 1957 was a pivotal event that significantly increased interest in gifted education. The satellite's success by the Soviet Union highlighted the technological and scientific advancements being made abroad, raising concerns about the United States' ability to compete in these domains. This event led to a national emphasis on science and mathematics education, prompting educators and policymakers to focus on developing programs for gifted students to ensure that talented individuals could contribute effectively to the nation's progress.

In the context of the other options, while Apollo 11, the establishment of educational reforms, and standardized testing all played roles in the broader landscape of education, the immediate and profound impact of Sputnik on U.S. educational priorities and policy regarding gifted students cannot be underestimated. The urgency it created around enhancing education, particularly in STEM fields, directly fed into the development of specialized programs for gifted and talented students in the years that followed.