Division of Instruction and Accountability Gifted and Talented

Gifted and Talented

Academically Gifted and Talented Educational Program

Mission Statement
The mission of Aiken County Public Schools Gifted and Talented Educational Program is to maximize the potential of gifted and talented students in providing a program that will match the unique characteristics of the gifted learner.

WHAT DOES GIFTED MEAN?
In accordance to South Carolina Regulation 43-220:
Gifted and talented students are those who are identified in grades one through twelve as demonstrating high performance ability or potential in academic and/or artistic areas and therefore require an educational program beyond that normally provided by the general school program in order to achieve their potential.
Gifted and talented abilities for these regulations include - Academic and Intellectual Ability: Students who have the academic and/or intellectual potential to function at a high level in one or more academic areas.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME GIFTED STUDENTS

Thinks clearly, recognizes implied relationships and comprehends meanings
Shows rapid language development and ability
Has strong observation skills
Possesses a large vocabulary
Reads above grade level
Exhibits independence, individualism, and self-sufficiency
Asks penetrating, searching questions
Produces original products or ideas
Solves puzzles easily
Shows wide interests
Has a good sense of humor
Has an active imagination
Uses problem solving strategies
Thinks in abstract, complex, and logical ideas
Shows academic superiority
May show underachievement
May have interpersonal difficulties
May be a nonconformist
May be a perfectionist
May be easily frustrated
May show emotional sensitivity

HOW ARE STUDENTS IDENTIFIED?

Gifted and talented students are found within all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Identification is a multi-step process, established by the South Carolina Department of Education.

All second grade students are tested with a nationally normed aptitude and achievement test in the fall. Students in other grades are screened based on any new data less than two years old. No private testing may be accepted for consideration, but may be used for referral purposes. Teachers, parents and administrators may refer a student for screening at any time during the school year.

In order to qualify for placement in the academically gifted and talented program a student must meet the eligibility criteria in two of the following three dimensions.

Dimension A – Aptitude Students must score at or above the 93rd national age percentile on a nationally normed aptitude test,
in one or more of these areas: verbal/linguistic, nonverbal, quantitative/mathematical and/or a composite of the three areas.
Students at or above the 96th national age percentile on the composite score have automatic placement.
Dimension B – Achievement
Students must score at or above the 94th national percentile on an approved subtest (reading and /or mathematical areas) on a nationally normed achievement test or score at the Advanced level for ELA and/or math on the South Carolina PASS Test.
Dimension C – Academic Performance
This dimension is only applied if a student has already met Dimension A or B. For G/T placement in grades 3-6, a student must achieve an acceptable score on either the verbal or non-verbal sections on the STAR Performance Tasks Test, administered each March. Students in grades 7-12 must demonstrate a grade point average of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale (93.75% average).

The Aiken County Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic or racial background, religious beliefs, sex, disability, economic or social conditions, alienage, national origin, immigrant status (except as limited or restricted by certain visa qualifications set forth in federal law) or by English-speaking status in, or employment in, its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies should be made to the Associate Superintendent for Administration (641-2609).

HOW ARE GIFTED STUDENTS SERVED?

GOALS OF THE G/T PROGRAM

To insure that all program components are carried out in accordance with law, regulations, and best practices in gifted and talented education.
To provide a program designed to facilitate the effective delivery of services to meet the needs of gifted and talented learners.
To enhance the curriculum for gifted and talented learners by adjusting the pace of instruction, the depth and breadth of content and the complexity of intellectual processes and products.
To provide a coherent written curriculum that will accelerate and challenge the gifted learner.
To communicate program information effectively.

G/T CLASS MODELS

Aiken County Public Schools use models approved by the South Carolina Department of Education. Classes are taught by teachers with a G/T certificate endorsement.

Grades 3-7

Resource Room/Pull-out Class or Center
Ratio of 1:20
Minimum of 4500 minutes (3rd grade)
Minimum of 7200 minutes (4th – 7th grade)

Grades 8-12

Special Class Designation
Ratio of 1:25
Minimum of 8100 minutes

For more information, contact:

South Carolina Department of Education
Rick Blanchard
Educational Associate for Gifted and Talented Initiatives
Office of Curriculum and Standards 802 B
1429 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-8335
rblancha@ed.sc.gov
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
1707 L Street NW
Suite 550
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone 202.785.4268
Email: nagc@nagc.org
www.nagc.org
Center for Gifted Education
College of William & Mary
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
www.cfge.wm.edu
ACPS G/T Program
Contact a G/T teacher at your local school
or
Michele Conner - District Coordinator
Gifted and Talented Educational Program
1000 Brookhaven Dr.
Aiken, SC 29803
803-641-2490
mconner@aiken.k12.sc.us