Gifted and Talented Program in the Elementary School

Gifted and Talented Primary Program Grades k-2

Grades kindergarten through first grade: The GT Primary Program begins to identify students who demonstrate a pattern of high achievement in one or multiple areas. In second grade all students will participate in a mass screening using the Cognitive Abilities Test.

Once data is gathered, the advanced Learning Team will assess the data and determine if an identification of Gifted and Talented is necessary to provide the most effective learning environment for an individual student. Once this body of evidence is determined, students will typically be identified in December of 3rd grade.

Within the classroom, teachers provide a positive environment in which to guide students through their early social and emotional development. Academic needs will be met through differentiation within a classroom, across classrooms, and across grade levels if this is appropriate. Differentiation is achieved through pre assessment and teacher observation to provide an enriching and challenging academic curriculum. This is a collaborative effort between primary teachers and the advanced learning specialist.

Gifted and Talented Program Intermediate Program Grades 3-5

Once a student is formally identified through an Advanced Learning Plan, students will meet with the GT Specialist. Curriculum is designed to challenge and enrich through accelerated and compacted curriculum, hands-on projects, group and individual problem solving, and higher level thinking. Subjects are language arts, math, science, and social studies. The curriculum is determined by the ALP, and coincides with the state standards and classroom. Students may also be on a watch basis. This means students are showing evidence that supports identification, but one or more areas of identification have not been met. Students who have been identified may also need support for social and emotional needs. This may be met by the GT specialist as well as the guidance counselor.

Within the classroom, teachers provide a positive learning environment. Academic needs will be met through differentiation within a classroom, across classrooms, and across grade levels if this is appropriate. Differentiation is achieved through pre assessment and teacher observation to provide an enriching and challenging academic curriculum. This is a collaborative effort between teachers and the advanced learning specialist.