Purpose
The Barton School District believes that each student should be offered educational experiences that provide opportunities for the fulfillment of maximum student potential. The Gifted and Talented program practices a multi-dimensional approach to the learning process by accentuating cognitive, affective and creative domains. Our program is designed to develop a lifelong learning process.
Definition of Giftedness
Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services.
Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment and/or motivation, and creative ability.
Why should Special Programming Be Provided for Gifted Children?
One of the greatest myths about gifted and talented students is that they will “learn it on their own.” However, in actuality, gifted students need appropriate educational experiences that meet their needs in order to reach their full potential.
The GT program offers the specialized services that gifted children need.
K-2 have a trained gifted facilitator in their classrooms at least once a week helping to enrich the regular classroom with the curriculum.
Third-Sixth grade identified GT students are pulled from their regular classrooms for 150 minutes each week to meet with a trained gifted facilitator. These students are engaged in in-depth study on special topics of interest, creative problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
7-12th grades are serviced by taking honors classes or by College Board trained teachers in Advanced Placement courses. The AP classes provide the students with college credit when they receive a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exams.
Services provided by the GT Program
Whole Group Enrichment (K-2)
Independent Study
Intervention
Honors
AP Courses
Academic Competitions