Identification
Students in second through 5th grade are screened at multiple set points throughout the year using STAR assessments and curricular averages. Those students meeting criteria are eligible to move on in the gifted screening process, potentially involving above-level curricular and cognitive assessments. The Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 16 regulations define “mentally gifted” as:
“Outstanding intellectual and creative ability the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.”
A student who is identified as gifted must demonstrate the need for specially designed instruction above and beyond the general education curriculum. Once identified as having a need, the Gifted Multi-disciplinary Team will meet to develop a plan to enrich or accelerate the student's instructional program outlined in a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP).