Gifted and Advanced Learner (GAL) Services @ RPEMS 

FAQ 

Q: How are students identified as gifted or advanced?  MATRIX

A:  At RPEMS we test all kindergarten students and students in grades K-2 that are new to the District using the Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Assessment (NNAT3). YOu can learn more about the test HERE.

• Gifted = at least 90th percentile on Normed Ability + Normed ELA + Normed Math 

• Advanced = 80th -89th percentile on Normed Ability + Normed ELA + Normed Math 

• Talent Development = 73rd percentile on Normed Ability but not 80th percentile on Normed ELA or Normed Math 

• Normed Ability (NNAT2, NNAT3 - 73rd percentile and above), CogAT, WISC (full scale IQ 120+), Woodcock-Johnson (full scale IQ 120+) 

• Normed ELA (TRC/Dibels, i-Ready, MAP, MCAP 3s = Advanced, and MCAP 4s = Gifted) 

• Normed Math (i-Ready, MAP, MCAP 3s = Advanced, and MCAP 4s = Gifted) 

• Other Considerations: ELL status (current and former), Homelessness, Special Education status, Off the Charts verbal with a low non-verbal ability score (mid 60s), school and parent anecdotal evidence (need lots and it needs to be spread out over a long period of time) 

Q: How do I know if my child is identified? 

A: You should receive notification from the GAL office or coordinator but you can always check by visiting Parent Portal. If your child is identified you will see a tab for Gifted or Advanced on the left hand side. If you are using the newer version, you may see a tab that says “More.” Click there and look for the Gifted and Advanced tab. 

Q: What do services look like for GAL students? 

A: Students in grades K-5 are grouped heterogeneously (mixed ability) while students in grades 6-8 may apply to Advanced Academics (honors) or Ingenuity Program. Some students also take a combination of grade-level and honors courses. 

• Students in grades1-5 are cluster grouped so they have like-ability peers to work with in the classroom 

• Differentiation takes place within the classroom by the teacher with support from the GAL Coordinator through access to projects, curriculum overlays using approved gifted programs such as Jacob’s Ladder and Mentoring Mathematical Minds (M2/M3), Fire folders, self-paced computer programs, etc. 

• By keeping it flexible and in the classroom, more students who may not otherwise be identified, have the opportunity to access and rise to the challenge! 

• Small group instruction and personalized learning time are built in this year!!!! This gives our GAL students (and all students) more time to work at their own level.

• Pull-out groups may happen as needed for enrichment programs. Our needs change each year. 

• Individualized Learning Plans (ILP) may be written to include many of the above items and support our GAL learners in the classroom.

• Students in grades 6-8

  • • • Because the Honors and Ingenuity courses are structured for more advanced learners, the classes themselves typically meet the needs of our gifted and advanced learners.  

      • National History Day (NHD) and Science Fair projects are honors requirements

Q: What if my student is not identified and I believe they should be?

A: You can email me directly or complete the referral form HERE.

Q: What if I believe my child would benefit from skipping a grade?

A: Grade Acceleration is not best for most children, however for some it is a beneficial option. If you believe your child is academically and socially/emotionally ready, this may be an option for you. Please reach out if you would like more information.

Q: What if I still have questions? 

A: Contact Kristen McGinness at: kbmcginness@kbmcginness@bcps.k12.md.us 

OR

Visit the Baltimore City Schools GAL Family Hours - every 3rd Tuesday from 3-5 PM

GAL Office Hours for Families   Password: GAL