How does AIG work in middle school?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

If my student was AIG in elementary school, will she still be AIG in middle school?

• • Students' identification follows them from elementary school.

  • If a student is only identified in one area, he can still be nominated for the other area(s).

If my student is not currently identified as an AIG student, can s/he still participate in the AIG program?

• • Students are still identified in middle school.

  • We follow the same identification process that is used in elementary school with grade level appropriate data and assessments.

  • A student can be nominated to go through the process at any time.

How does MGMS group students?

• • We use a cluster group model. Clusters (groups) of identified AIG students are placed in mixed ability classrooms. The teacher and AIG support staff help modify, enrich, and extend content for the different levels of learners.

How does the gifted program work in middle school?

• • NHC middle schools mostly use a combination push-in/coaching model to serve AIG students.

  • The Gifted specialist comes into the classroom to work with the students, co-teaching along with the regular teacher. Frequency of my visits to the classroom depends upon which grade level needs the most support at that time of the year and the comfort level of the teacher.

  • The teachers and the AIG specialist plan together, even if I don’t actually teach the lesson myself. I support the gifted students by supporting their teachers.

  • All teachers who work with gifted students, at minimum, have New Hanover County AIG credentials.

  • AIG students do not receive special credit on their course record. All content delivered in middle school is the same regardless of class make-up.

  • Course placement in 7th & 8th grade is based on student performance; not on identification.

How does the Gifted Specialist spend the day?

• • 60% working with teachers and students

  • 30% planning

  • 10% communicating with parents and students