Gifted and Talented Programs
Georgia/Columbia County School System
Gifted and Talented Learner Characteristics
- Demonstrates high degree of intellectual and/or creative abilities
- Exhibits a high degree of motivation
- Excels in specific academic fields
- Learns new material faster than peers
- Great memory
- Passionate interest in specific topics
- Advanced vocabulary
- Curious and observant
Testing of Gifted and Talented Learners
- Students who score at specified levels on certain norm-referenced tests receive automatic referral
- Students who are referred must go through formal evaluation in the following categories:
- Mental Ability
- Achievement
- Creativity
- Motivation
- Gifted qualification requires a) qualifying score in mental ability and achievement categories or b) qualifying scores in 3 of the 4 categories
Services for Gifted and Talented Learners
Direct Services
- Resource Class (5 times weekly for 45 min. or one full day per week)
- Advanced Content (AP - Advanced Placement, etc.)
- Cluster Grouping - groups of 6-8 gifted students in regular classroom with gifted endorsed teacher
Indirect Services
- Collaborative Teaching - up to 8 gifted students in regular classroom; teacher has collaborated with designated gifted teacher
- Internship/Mentorship
- Approved Innovative Models
Least Restrictive Environment
- Regular Classroom (elementary level) - cluster grouping or collaborative teaching model
- Advanced Placement Courses (high school) - classes contain peers of similar level
Accommodations Used for Gifted and Talented Learners
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- Gifted Standards/Differentiated Curriculum
- Development of research skills
- Development of creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Development of critical thinking and logical problem-solving skills
- Development of advanced communication skills
- Development of self-awareness and unique characteristics
- Smaller Class Size - 17 max. for elementary and 21 max. for middle/high school
- Program needed to allow students to:
- Feel comfortable with themselves and with their gifted traits
- Follow their strong internal drive to develop their full potential
References
Photos retrieved from:
http://www.atlantapublicschools.us/page/7220
http://mann.spps.org/uploads/5.jpg
http://www.apsva.us/domain/1522
Information retrieved from:
Ga Department of Education (http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Curriculum-and-Instruction/Pages/Gifted-Education.aspx)
Columbia County School System (http://www.ccboe.net/pages/Columbia_County/Curriculum/Gifted)
Email: kathryn.ritz80@gmail.com
Phone: (706)951-1143