Program FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Will I need to contact you regarding my rising 6th grade AIG student?

AIG identification carries over from elementary to middle school within WCPSS.  AIG records are sent along with cumulative folders.  We receive reports which indicate the names of our AIG students and their area(s) of identification.

If my child was identified as gifted in another school system, what process is followed to pursue identification in WCPSS?

WCPSS does offer identification reciprocity.  A review of all gifted documentation from the previous school system is required before a student can transfer into the WCPSS Gifted Program.  Please contact Mrs. Smith directly if your child was identified in another school system.

My child is not already identified as Academically or Intellectually Gifted but I believe he/she shows potential. (Likewise, my child is already identified in one area, reading or math, but I believe he/she shows potential in the other area).  What do I do?

Parents may nominate their child for AIG testing.  A written nomination is required and may be sent via email to Carissa Smith, AIG Teacher, at csmith8@wcpss.net.

Once a nomination is received, data is collected including EOG performance, STAR screening data, NC Check In scores, parent checklists, student work samples and student grades.  This information is shared with our School Based Committee for Gifted Education (SBCGE).  The SBCGE reviews all data to determine if: 

(a) the student qualifies for AIG services

(b) additional testing is required to determine eligibility 

(c) the student is best served through Talent Development  

(d) additional differentiation outside the regular classroom is not needed. 

This process takes a semester to complete with students who qualify beginning services at the start of the next semester.   

What is Talent Development?

Students served through Talent Development have been considered for gifted education (through a data review process) but do not yet meet the criteria for identification. The goal is for Talent Development students to eventually identify as gifted through any/ all of the following:

• Cluster grouping with identified students

• Pull-out groups with identified students

• Extensions during independent work time in Math/ELA class or during K9 enrichment

• Ongoing collaboration with teachers about the student’s progress

• Flexible Grouping

Talent Development students' academic progress is monitor quarterly.