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Purpose & Mission
Purpose & Mission
The Hillcrest School District Gifted and Talented (GT) Program provides differentiated educational experiences designed to meet the unique academic, creative, and intellectual needs of students who demonstrate advanced abilities or high potential. In accordance with the Arkansas Department of Education, gifted and talented students are those whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational services beyond the regular instructional program.
The GT Program is structured to foster advanced thinking, creativity, task commitment, and intellectual curiosity through enriched, accelerated, and individualized learning opportunities.
Identification
Identification
Students are identified for gifted and talented services through a comprehensive, equitable, and ongoing process that includes multiple sources of data. These may include assessment results, teacher and parent input, rating scales, checklists, and performance indicators. A trained identification committee reviews all data to make placement decisions based on multiple criteria rather than a single measure.
Identification procedures follow Arkansas Department of Education guidelines and ensure nondiscriminatory practices. Written procedures, including parental notification and appeal processes, are reviewed annually.
Program Options
Program Options
Gifted and Talented services in the Hillcrest School District are structured to meet students’ developmental and academic needs at each grade level.
Grades K–3
Students in grades K–3 receive whole-group enrichment instruction designed to develop higher-level thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving, and academic readiness. Instruction focuses on talent development and provides early exposure to gifted learning experiences.
Grades 4–6
Students in grades 4–6 receive a combination of push-in and pull-out services. Instruction extends classroom learning through enrichment activities, critical thinking tasks, and interdisciplinary projects that emphasize depth and complexity.
Grades 7–8
Students in grades 7–8 receive differentiated classroom instruction combined with 90 minutes of weekly pull-out services. Instruction emphasizes advanced reasoning, research skills, collaboration, and independent thinking while supporting student interests and academic strengths.
Grades 9–12
Students in grades 9–12 are served through a credited course, GT Seminar. This course provides advanced learners with opportunities for:
Independent learning and research projects
Mentorships aligned with student interests and career goals
Academic competitions and enrichment experiences
Support for concurrent credit and college-level coursework
GT Seminar is designed to promote college and career readiness through self-directed learning, advanced academic planning, and real-world application of skills.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding the Gifted and Talented Program, including identification procedures and services offered, please contact:
Kara Britton
Gifted and Talented Coordinator
Hillcrest School District
Email: kara.britton@eagles1.k12.ar.us
Phone: 870-376-5416
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