The Primary Talent Pool (PTP) is a group of students who possess demonstrated or potential ability to perform at exceptionally high levels in the primary years. Kentucky law mandates that students in K-3 who exhibit this potential and behaviors are informally selected for the PTP.
The PTP can include up to 25% of the primary student population. It is not a formal program, but rather a way for classroom teachers to highlight and nurture high potential students within the primary program in grades K-3.
These students may be referred to as high-potential learners. The purpose of selecting students to participate in a Primary Talent Pool is to provide early enrichment for those students whose talents must be nurtured in order for those talents to fully develop. These students are not automatically identified as gifted once they reach the fourth grade. They must be formally identified by meeting explicit criteria.
Through collaborative means, each school will work with the district Gifted and Talented Committee to organize service delivery options to match specific students’ needs with services available at each school. PTP students shall receive multiple delivery service options in grades K-3 which meet their unique needs, abilities, and interests. Regular classrooms will focus on appropriate instructional differentiation strategies to provide challenge and curriculum extension and enrichment. Students may receive services through the Gifted Resource and Primary Talent Pool Teacher.
The district will complete a data gathering process annually to identify the students demonstrating characteristics of gifted learners. The district will collect three items of evidence from a state accepted list to include students in the primary talent pool. If you believe your child should be included prior to screening, contact the Gifted Resource and Primary Talent Pool Teacher - Christina Price. The Primary Talent Pool Teacher will provide you more information on the process and what evidence is needed to complete the referral.
For detailed information on inclusion in the Primary Talent Pool, refer to the district's Gifted and Talented Handbook.
Acceleration Options (e.g, early entry into early Kindergarten, subject content from higher grade, or grade skipping)
Differentiated study experiences for individuals in the regular classroom
Optional enrichment services (outside of the school day)
Resources services in pull-out program (during the school day)