Gifted Program
Definition
A gifted child is defined in Florida as “One who has superior intellectual development, is capable of high performance.” Gifted students tend to learn things more quickly and easily and to engage in advanced thinking processes (analysis, synthesis, evaluation). Gifted students also demonstrate unique social and emotional needs which require attention.
Eligibility Criteria
A student is eligible for special programs for the gifted if the student meets the criteria and demonstrates:
- Need for a special program
- A majority of gifted characteristics according to a standard scale or checklist
Superior intellectual development as measured by an intelligence quotient of two (2) standard deviations or above the mean on an individually administered standardized test of intelligence.
Service Models
Services for gifted students in grades K through 8 will be provided in a full-time gifted program at the Quest Academy located at Challenger K-8 school. The gifted center, Quest Academy, will offer students a challenging and supportive environment. The program will allow gifted students to flourish academically as well as socially and emotionally which is critical to the development of a gifted child. The services that will be offered to gifted students in grades kindergarten through grade 8 will be in the form of a differentiated, full-time curriculum.
In addition to the district adopted textbooks and programs for reading, math, science, and social studies, the curriculum for gifted will include:
- Renzulli Learning Systems
- William and Mary Language Arts Curriculum, Clarion Units, and Science Units, Social Studies units
- SAT Vocabulary
- The Think-Link Assessment
- Singapore Math
- Geography Alive
- History Alive
- Self-Science: The Emotional Intelligence Curriculum.
Dismissal Criteria
A student identified for gifted services is eligible to continue to receive these services through high school graduation as long as the student continues to demonstrate a need for gifted services. However, lower than expected achievement levels or lack of responsiveness to the gifted instructional programs are not to be considered automatic cause for temporary withdrawal or dismissal from the gifted program. Unless a specific reason arises, students identified as gifted are not generally re-evaluated on a standardized, individual test of intelligence (IQ).
For further information please contact:
Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Phone: (352)797-7022