Identification of Gifted and Talented Services
The purpose of providing gifted and talented services is to ensure that students who have already mastered grade level benchmarks, students who are significantly advanced outliers compared to their peers, or students who demonstrate the potential for performing at remarkably high levels are provided with an appropriate level of challenge to promote continued growth. All students are considered for gifted and talented services in kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Cedarburg School District has criteria for each of the five areas of gifted services. Multiple assessments are used to create a student data profile which, in accordance with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, is used to determine eligibility for gifted services.
When gathering information to inform decisions about students’ need for challenge beyond the regular curriculum, standardized tests (objective, norm-referenced tests of academic or intellectual skill), performance data such as portfolios, selected grade-level classroom assessments, and nomination forms (rating scales and narrative information from teachers and parents) may be considered. Decisions regarding gifted education services are made collaboratively by building level teams that may include:
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General Educator
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Content Area Specialist
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GT Support Specialist
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District Teacher Leader
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Administrator
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Reading Specialist
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School Counselor
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Special Educator
Initial referrals for gifted and talented services in the areas of General Intellectual and Specific Academic Ability usually come from the universal screening process of student assessments or from the classroom teacher, who has in-depth knowledge and understanding of a student’s abilities. Principals, other educational staff, or parents may also refer students for gifted education screening. Initial referrals in the areas of Creativity, Leadership, and Artistic usually occur when an educator or parent completes a nomination form.
All nomination or recommendation forms can be found here or by contacting the GT resource specialist in your school.
The appropriateness of a student’s services is periodically reviewed, usually annually. Parents are invited to come to an ALP review meeting. This review may result in continuation of the same services or a change in services. At times, it may be determined that students’ needs can be met through the regular school program and course offerings.
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