GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
West Fork Public Schools are built upon a fundamental belief in serving the needs of all students. A part of that commitment involves helping every student reach his/her full potential. Providing for the needs of gifted and talented students is a result of that goal. The district both recognizes and is committed to services, including differentiated curriculum/instruction, for students placed in the gifted and talented program.
ARKANSAS DEPT. OF EDUCATION'S DEFINITION OF GIFTEDNESS
The following definition shall guide districts in providing services and opportunities for students identified as gifted and talented:
"Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services.
Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment and /or motivation, and creative ability."
IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
Identification is an ongoing process for K-12 and referrals are considered throughout the year for students entering grades 3-12.
REFERRALS Students may be referred by teachers, parents, community members, peers and self.
SCREENING The screening process consists of collecting and compiling data on student referrals to facilitate decision making for the selection of students who are most in need of GT services. Both objective and subjective instruments are used in the process.
SELECTION The school-based identification committee considers each student and makes recommendations based on the compiled data they receive. No single criteria or cut-off score is used to include or exclude a student from being placed in the program. The decision must consider the student as an individual in accordance with his/her needs. The selection process is blind- meaning names are not revealed to ensure fairness and minimize the influence of bias. Placement decision letters are mailed to parents. Students not placed will remain in the talent pool.
New students to the district who were in the GT program in a prior school will not automatically be placed. There will be a re-evaluation process. Military connected students are automatically placed.
Students enrolled in the West Fork School District may be referred for evaluation for the West Fork Gifted and Talented program by contacting Mia Ellis, GT Coordinator, at mellis@wftigers.org.