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giftedness. defined.
giftedness. defined.
"Academically or intellectually gifted students perform or show the potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with 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 the intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically 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."
-Article 9B, Academically or Intellectually Gifted Students [N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5-.8 (Article 9B)
meet mrs finch.
meet mrs finch.
Introducing Jaime Finch, the vibrant force behind Gifted Education at Salem Elementary! For over 20 years, Jaime has passionately served the needs of students with exceptional abilities within Wake County.
Jaime’s philosophy is simple: Gifted learners deserve what every student should have:
A Challenging Education: One that pushes scholars to exceed their own expectations.
Cultivating Connection: A chance to connect and engage with like-minded peers and practice social skills.
A Joyful Sanctuary: A place where scholars can feel secure, safe, and enjoy learning.
Empowerment to Make a Difference: Equipping scholars with the soft skills and confidence to impact the world positively.
Jaime is convinced that recognizing and nurturing high-potential children is essential for the success of our public schools. In advocating for gifted learners, her message is consistent and clear- gifted learners are not "better than," but they are "more capable than" by definition, and we as educators must rise to the challenge of ensuring their needs are also fully met through intentional instruction. By helping this group of students reach their fullest capabilities, we, as a society, all rise together.
background.
background.
Jaime's educational adventure began with a Political Science degree concentrating in Law and Legal Philosophy from NC State University. Her true calling was ignited when she was asked to keep a precocious four-year-old quiet during nap time at her part-time job at a nursery school. By the end of the summer, he was reading Magic Tree House books, and Jaime's plans to attend law school had been shelved. She pivoted to a teacher licensure program at NC Central University and wholeheartedly embraced her passion for the classroom and educating the profoundly gifted.
Today, she's teaching and advancing her expertise with a Master's in Special Education from Western Carolina University, focusing on Gifted, Creative, and Innovative Education. She also takes an active role in the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented as well as PAGE of Wake County
Seeing herself as a differentiation education specialist, Jaime has had the privilege of teaching students with high potential in various classroom settings. Her extensive experience includes roles as an instructional coach and mentor, specializing in differentiated instruction, and implementing project-based learning. Jaime also understands the nuances of twice-exceptionality and the diverse needs of underperforming learners, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to thrive.
background.
background.
Jaime's educational adventure began with a Political Science degree concentrating in Law and Legal Philosophy from NC State University. Her true calling was ignited when she was asked to keep a precocious four-year-old quiet during nap time at her part-time job at a nursery school. By the end of the summer, he was reading Magic Tree House books, and Jaime's plans to attend law school had been shelved. She pivoted to a teacher licensure program at NC Central University and wholeheartedly embraced her passion for the classroom and educating the profoundly gifted.
Today, she's teaching and advancing her expertise with a Master's in Special Education from Western Carolina University, focusing on Gifted, Creative, and Innovative Education. She also takes an active role in the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented as well as PAGE of Wake County
Seeing herself as a differentiation education specialist, Jaime has had the privilege of teaching students with high potential in various classroom settings. Her extensive experience includes roles as an instructional coach and mentor, specializing in differentiated instruction, and implementing project-based learning. Jaime also understands the nuances of twice-exceptionality and the diverse needs of underperforming learners, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to thrive.
Who gets chosen to go to AIG?
Who gets chosen to go to AIG?
Gifted education focuses on students who:
Show exceptional talent or aptitude in certain areas.
Have high creativity and curiosity.
Possess potential for high achievement.
It provides the support and challenges these students need to thrive.
What gifted is not:
Gifted students are not guaranteed to be successful, talkative, well-behaved, organized, or superior to their classmates.
...and why exactly are they leaving class?
...and why exactly are they leaving class?
Gifted students need support because:
High Dropout Risk: 18%-25% drop out of high school, much higher than the average 7.4%.
Challenges in Advanced Classes: They may struggle and underperform
Behavioral Issues: Disinterest can lead to classroom problems.
Supporting gifted students helps keep them engaged and successful in school.
So, high grades aren't the marker for giftedness... what is?
So, high grades aren't the marker for giftedness... what is?
Advanced Problem-Solving Skills: Can the student solve complex problems quickly and creatively?
Deep Curiosity: Does the student ask insightful questions and show a strong desire to learn?
Exceptional Memory: Can the student recall information easily and make connections between different concepts?
High Level of Creativity: Does the student come up with original ideas and think outside the box?
Rapid Learning Pace: Does the student grasp new concepts faster than their peers?
Intense Focus: Can the student concentrate deeply on tasks that interest them?
Sophisticated Language Skills: Does the student use advanced vocabulary and understand complex texts?
Did you know
Gifted Education
is Mandated in NC
by:
Article 9B, Academically or Intellectually Gifted Students [N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5-.8 (Article 9B)
salem's why.
salem's why.
Salem Elementary prides itself on delivering a challenging, highly-rigorous curriculum to every student daily. Classroom teachers provide differentiation for all students, specifically designed to meet the needs of each learner.
For students who demonstrate a definite and continuing need for differentiation outside of the homeroom class, additional enrichment and extension are offered through the AIG program, acceleration opportunities, and 3rd Grade Explorers.
AIG, All Day. Every Day.
AIG, All Day. Every Day.
"A nation’s prosperity can be charted largely by the contributions of its most gifted and talented citizens. When a nation fails to recognize and develop the talents of a large percentage of its population, it limits its ability to compete in the future."
"A nation’s prosperity can be charted largely by the contributions of its most gifted and talented citizens. When a nation fails to recognize and develop the talents of a large percentage of its population, it limits its ability to compete in the future."
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