Students in need of gifted services are those students who perform at or have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic and/or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience or environment. They require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata and in all areas of human endeavor. Gifted students may be found within any race, ethnicity, gender, economic class or nationality.
Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all students in the second grade are considered as potentially gifted students and they are presented with activities that are designed to give them the opportunity to display gifted behaviors. After Christmas all second graders are given a screening test. The results of this test and a gifted behavior checklist will determine which students may be referred for further testing. (Parental consent is required prior to proceeding any further.)
For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance (work samples, achievement scores, etc). The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services. If the student qualifies, a Gifted Education Plan (GEP) is developed for them. Written parental consent is required prior to providing services.
Gifted services vary according to the age/grade of the student. Students identified as gifted in grades K through 2 are served through the collaborative efforts of the general education classroom teacher and the teacher of the Gifted. We provide pull-out/resource services one day a week for students in grades 3 through 6. In grades 7 and 8 gifted students are provided services through advanced core curriculum classes provided by qualified regular teachers. Also, electives in a variety of talent areas (art, music – choral and instrumental, technology) are taught by qualified instructors. The general education program meets the needs of the gifted students in grades 9 through 12 by utilizing college preparatory classes, advanced core curriculum classes, and dual enrollment in local colleges. Also, electives in a variety of talent areas (art, music – choral, instrumental and performance, technology, foreign languages) are taught by qualified instructors. Counseling services for college and career preparation are also available. These services are only available for students enrolled in our public schools; private school students are not eligible for these services.