As stated in the MDE Gifted Outcomes, in order for intellectually gifted students in Mississippi to be challenged to reach their full potential, a well-defined set of outcomes/competencies for gifted education programs is essential.

The PGSD gifted program follows the MDE Gifted Outcomes, with all lessons tied to the following Gifted Education Competencies.

THINKING SKILLS

Given a topic/situation, the learner will define and classify the problem(s), make connections, and draw distinctions, analyze information objectively and critically (reflectively developing a relationship between facts and values), and differentiate truth and beliefs from his/her understanding of what is logically and realistically possible.

CREATIVITY

Given a real-life situation, the student will be able to select from divergent thinking, analogical thinking, visualization, attribute listing, morphological analysis, synectics, intuitive thinking, spontaneous thinking, creative problem solving, and/or the creative process in an appropriate manner to develop a workable solution(s).

INFORMATION LITERACY

Given a real situation, the student will identify and define the problem, design a research plan appropriate to the problem, conduct the investigation, decide on the most appropriate media for dissemination of the findings/ solutions, and present the results before an authentic audience.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Given the need to retrieve and/or disseminate information, the students will select and utilize the most appropriate media based upon available resources, technology, audience, and time available, for the most effective communication of information, ideas, feelings, and concepts and correctly interpreting those of others.

AFFECTIVE SKILLS

As a gifted learner, students will develop self-acceptance and awareness and demonstrate responsibility for personal growth along with awareness of personal and cultural diversity in others by recognizing forms of bias and stereotypes in order to respect unique beliefs and experiences in themselves and others by understanding and embracing giftedness, appropriately coping with stress in order to become healthy, responsive, contributing, and productive members of classroom communities and society as a whole.

SUCCESS SKILLS

Given a real-life situation, the student will utilize effective organizational, decision making, goal-setting, project management, and time management skills, including controlling impulses and adapting to unforeseen circumstances, in order to develop solutions to problems and achieve goals whether working individually or as a leader or member of a team.

The PGSD gifted program provides services for intellectually gifted students based on the MDE regulations for students

in 2nd-6th grade.

Differentiated instruction is provided with in all areas, to ensure that each individual students' needs are met,

including gifted students.

For students in 9th -12 grade that may be advanced academically, AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities are offered.