Identification
Worldwide, gifted and talented programs serve students with a pattern of high performance; that is, students score in the 98th and 99th percentile on IQ tests, standardized tests, etc.
In Fort, we also service students in the 98th to 99th percentiles, depending on the program and space available. In addition, we realize advanced learners who fall in the 95th through 97th percentiles often have similar academic needs, so they receive services, as well.
Please read the attachments below for some specifics about how we identify students as gifted and talented or as advanced learners and what types of programs or programming are appropriate for these learners.
NOTE: If there is space available, we occasionally "flex" a student who is below the 95th percentile into a program with a one-time flex exception. Being flexed into a program (or programs) does not mean a student will always be in that program. However, we recognize that there are students who can benefit from extra challenge who do not officially meet the criteria, and we do our best to make accommodations when there is space in a program.
What does Wisconsin require or provide as far as Gifted and Talented services go?
Wisconsin requires school districts to identify students who are gifted and talented. It does not specify how to identify or what should occur once children have been identified. In fact, the law does not require that any specific services be provided to GT students at all!
Wisconsin does not provide any funding for GT services.
Wisconsin does require each school district to name a GT Coordinator. This can be a full-time classroom teacher, an administrator, or whomever the district sees fit to identify.
What does Fort Atkinson do to go above and beyond?
Fort provides a full-time GT Coordinator, a full-time GT Program Assistant, and two part-time GT Learning Aides. In addition, elementary Library Media Specialists conduct some challenge classes each week.
Fort provides not just identification, but programming for students K-12. See the "School-Day Programming" and "Extracurriulars" areas of this site for more information.
Fort is an active member of the Southern Lakes Advanced Learner Network (SLALN), a co-op of schools that work together to provide additional opportunities for students.
Fort provides Honors, Accelerated, and AP classes at the high school to help meet students' needs even more as they prepare for college.
Fort hosts regional GT events and sends its GT Coordinator and staff to trainings and conferences.
