What is AIG?

The WCPSS Academically/Intellectually Gifted Program

The Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program provides an appropriately challenging education for students who perform, or show potential for performing, at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. Academically or intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically and/or intellectually gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. 

Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Services for AIG students include differentiated curriculum and instruction that extends and enriches the Standard Course of Study. Gifted education services are provided for students who consistently perform above grade level and demonstrate need for additional rigorous academic differentiation in kindergarten through 12th grade. Multiple criteria are used for identification and include both formal and informal indicators. Formal Indicators may include: Norm referenced assessments in aptitude, i.e. Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and achievement, i.e. Iowa Assessments. Informal Indicators may include: Teacher and parent checklists and performance indicators, i.e. academic grades of "4" or "A" in reading/ language arts and mathematics, writing samples, North Carolina End-of-Grade and North Carolina End-of-Course tests, student progress on grade level standards in math and literacy, student work portfolios, and anecdotal information

Grades 3, 4, 5:

Identified 4th and 5th grade students receive differentiated curriculum and instruction in reading/language arts and/or mathematics within the general education setting, as well as pull-out classes with Mrs. Walters and/or Mrs. Goodman one day per week, per subject area.  Additional differentiation and enrichment options may include curriculum compacting, cluster grouping, flexible grouping, collaboration and coaching between the classroom and AIG teacher, and a variety of extension activities. Services vary depending upon a student’s need.  

Grade 2:

All WCPSS 2nd graders participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test, or CogAT as part of the year-long AIG screening process. More information will be provided to parents as testing approaches.

Grades K-2 Identified in a Previous District

Identified Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students receive differentiated curriculum and instruction in reading/language arts and/or mathematics within the general education setting. Options may include cluster grouping, flexible grouping, and a variety of extension and enrichment activities. The AIG teacher supports classroom teachers of K-2 students enrolled in the AIG program.

Talent Development

Talent Development students are defined by being high performing students that show the potential for AIG identification and/or that have high performing characteristics. Using district guidelines, the SBCGE will use databased problem solving to make placement decisions.