Gifted Decisions

Every student in the talent pool is given a digital folder that lives in the canvas course of the AAC. Teachers complete a gifted behavior commentary, which either provides support for a student’s referral or challenges a student’s referral. Parents or guardians complete an inventory of what they see at home. The AAC gathers all pertinent data (achievement scores, language learner level, ability scores, grades) and writes a narrative of each student, which completes a gifted referral portfolio.

Once each child has a completed portfolio, a committee including the AAC, grade level counselor, the students’ teachers and an administrator sit down to make identification decisions. The overarching question for committee meetings is, “Does the student need a cluster group or intensified class to grow their talent?” If the data, narratives, and staff discussion show that the student needs more than the general program of studies to make academic growth, then the student is identified as gifted in one or more of the following areas: math, science, social studies, science, English, music or visual art. The gifted identification follows them through their K-12 career and has reciprocity among neighboring districts.