GIFTED PROGRAMMING
Chapter 16 of the PA School Code and the PA Gifted Education Guidelines drive the gifted program at Lower Dauphin High School. Given the nature of the high school’s general education programming and the nature of students at this point in their development and academic careers, gifted students may or may not need specially designed instruction (SDI) and a Gifted Individualized Educational Plan (GIEP). The Gifted Multi-Disciplinary Team (GMDT) and GIEP Teams, as requested, examine data to determine such a need. These teams are comprised of the student, parent(s), regular education teacher, gifted support teacher, counselor, administrator, and other representatives.
GIEPs exist to provide gifted students who are in need of academic acceleration and/or enrichment beyond what is already provided in the general education program. Whether a gifted student has a GIEP or not, the gifted support teacher and counselor serve as advocates for the student in terms of developing a 4-year (graduation) plan and ensuring communication about academic, volunteer, work, college, and career opportunities at and beyond the high school.
As needed and as determined by the GMDT/GIEP Teams, gifted students are permitted to enroll in online courses through the Capital Area Online Learning Association (CAOLA) or other district-approved provider for a maximum of two (2) credits at district expense and at the CAOLA rate in their high school career. These courses could take the place of courses needed for graduation or to accelerate or to enrich a strength area or area of interest. If a student wishes to take an online course that is not through CAOLA, the course must be approved prior to enrollment. For a non-CAOLA class, gifted students/parent(s) will be responsible to pay for and enroll in the course; the district will reimburse the family at the rate of a CAOLA class. Students can earn a grade through CAOLA but will receive a pass/fail grade if the online course is taken through another online company or institution. To learn more about CAOLA, contact your counselor, and explore the Lower Dauphin website for application deadlines and course options.
COMPETENCY TESTS
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in various subjects. During the 2024-2025 school year, the following Keystone Exams will be given: Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. At the time of this publication, students graduating with the class of 2024 and beyond must demonstrate proficiency on all Keystone exams as a graduation requirement.
Information obtained from state/local assessments will be valuable for (1) planning future school programs, curriculum development, and in-service training and (2) informing the public about student achievement. These assessments will provide individual student reports as well as school, district, and state data.