Gifted learners demonstrate a diverse range of academic and social/ emotional requirements that may be supported through a variety of service options. Our Gifted Services Model consists of a combination of the following components, ranging from serving all students to fewer students based on academic need: differentiated instruction, consultation with a Gifted Intervention Specialist, guidance, advanced coursework, classroom cluster grouping, small group services in math and/or reading, and acceleration.

Differentiated Instruction (K-12)

Teachers in grades K-12 provide differentiated instruction in the regular classroom. High-performing and students identified as gifted, will work on meaningful lessons with their regular classroom teachers. Differentiated work is provided to students based on the student’s interests, needs, and abilities. Teachers use formative and informative assessment data to determine the knowledge base of the students and provide alternative activities that broaden or deepen the lesson, or promote higher-level thinking skills. Gifted and Talented Teachers will consult with the classroom teachers as well as assist in collaboration with students, parents, and teachers to ensure that student work is appropriately challenging. Differentiation of the curriculum includes modifications to the content, process, product, or learning environment.

Pull-Out Program Grades 1-7

In grades 1-7 students receive small group pull-out Gifted and Talented instruction two times per week. These classes provide opportunities for students to engage in activities requiring critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning through rigorous compacted lessons.

Goals include growth of personal and academic self-discipline, the pursuit of unique investigations, development of problem-solving techniques, development of realistic and healthy concepts of self and others, willingness to assume leadership and responsibility, and development of communication skills. Students are placed in a learning environment in which they are encouraged to go beyond the known and obvious, where the process is emphasized over factual learning, and scholarly exploration is expected and facilitated.

Differentiated instruction as shown above also occurs in the regular classroom.

AP/Honors Coursework Grades 8-12

At the middle school and high school levels, there are multiple opportunities for gifted learners to pursue advanced curriculum through a variety of course options. Middle school students may choose from English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and/or Social Studies Honors courses. Middle school students also have the opportunity to develop their skills in the arts through our cycle electives including Art, Band, Music, and Theater. High school students are able to participate in a large number of Honors, AP, and dual enrollment options. These courses meet the academic needs of gifted learners in a mixed ability classroom setting.