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FAQ's

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What does it mean if a child is “gifted”?

  Giftedness refers to outstanding intellectual and creative ability which requires specially designed instruction not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.

 
What are the traits of a gifted child?

  • highly curious

  • wild or silly ideas

  • able to cummunicate in detail, elaborates well

  • learns and applies skills quickly and easily

  • draws inferences

  • shows originality and/or complexity in thinking

  • keenly observant

  • strong feelings/opinions

  • highly self-critical/perfectionistic

 

How is a child identified as mentally gifted in the Parkland School District?

  Generally, the child’s classroom teacher will recognize if he/she stands out as needing additional challenges above and beyond what the regular grade-level curriculum has to offer and will refer the child to begin the screening process.  If a child is in question, he/she may be monitored in the classroom for specific evidence of higher-level thinking skills and outstanding performance.

  Upon referral, the child will engage in a 2-level screening process utilizing multiple criteria to get as complete a picture of the student as possible.  The 1st level of screening involves collecting data and observations from the classroom teacher and parent as well as obtaining standardized testing scores, curriculum based performance scores, and creativity measures given by the teacher of the gifted.  All scores are weighted and a determination made by the GIST team (Gifted Information and Screening Team) whether or not the student has performed solidly enough to move on to Level 2.  This involves psychological testing from the school psychologist, yielding an IQ score.  Data from this testing, combined with the weight of scores from level 1, is what the GIST team uses to make a final determination if the child qualifies for the gifted program.

 

My child always receives the top ratings on his/her report card – should he/she be tested for the gifted?

  While top report card ratings do show evidence of curriculum mastery, this does not necessarily mean that the child is gifted.  High achievement is just one facet of giftedness; other things to consider include motivation, social skills, ability to handle challenges, and most importantly higher-level thinking skills such as creativity, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and reasoning skills.

 

 
How long does it take to have a child screened for gifted?

  Since the screening collects many types of data from many different sources, it is a lengthy process.  Once a referral is received, the GIST team will complete level 1 in as timely a manner as possible.  If the child proceeds to Level 2 screening, you will receive a Permission to Evaluate form to sign and from its return the psychologist will test the child within 60 school days. The Teacher of the Gifted can give updates on screening status if in question.

 

 

Who is involved in screening a child for gifted?

  The GIST team, (Gifted Identification and Screening Team) including the classroom teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist, teacher of the gifted, and parent.  Information from screening is collected and/or reviewed by each member of the team to determine eligibility for the gifted program.

 

What happens if my child is screened and does not qualify for the gifted program?

  At the conclusion of level 1 screening, if your child does not receive the necessary points to progress to level 2, you will receive communication from a member of the GIST team in the form of a letter.  The child may be re-screened after the progression of one calendar year if appropriate.

  If the child does progress to level 2 of the screening and does not qualify, a GWR (gifted written report) will be written by the psychologist outlining all data collected and recommending the child continue a placement of regular education.

 

What happens if my child is screened and qualifies for the gifted program?

  If the child receives the necessary points in level 1 to progress to level 2, you will receive communication from a GIST team member in the form of a phone call or e-mail.  A permission to evaluate will be mailed home and from the time it is signed and received, the child will be administered IQ and achievement testing within 60 school days. 

  Should the child qualify, a GWR (gifted written report) will be written by the psychologist, outlining all collected data and making the recommendation for gifted programming.  The Teacher of the Gifted then invites the parent to participate in a GIEP (Gifted individualized education program) meeting.  The purpose of this meeting is to develop goals and objectives to meet the student’s need for additional challenges, and to obtain necessary signatures to initiate programming.

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Where can I find parent resources re: Gifted education?

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