WHAT IS A GIFTED STUDENT?
"Mentally gifted" is defined as outstanding intellectual and creative ability which requires specially designed instruction and support services beyond the regular classroom. A gifted student is exceptional and may display:

• Abstract reasoning and problem solving skills
• Academic achievement a year or more above grade level
• Argumentative tendencies
• Criticism of self and others
• Curiosity
• Declining interest in learning
• Disorganization
• Disruptive behavior
• Flexible thought processes
• "Forgetfulness" in turning in assignments, even when completed
• Good problem solving skills
• Heightened self-awareness
• High activity level
• High persistence
• High verbal proficiency
• Inattentiveness
• Isolation from other students
• Leadership qualities
• Multiple talents
• Quick grasp of material
• Risk-taking
• Sense of humor
• Sensitivity to expectations
• Vivid imagination
  
  

HOW IS PLACEMENT IN THE GIFTED PROGRAM DETERMINED?
A multi-step process determines whether a student is eligible for gifted support services.

1. A parent or teacher refers the student to the school counselor.
2. The school counselor administers a brief intelligence test to screen for giftedness.
3. If the student meets test criteria, further evaluation will take place, including in-depth testing by the school psychologist, review of the student's academic performance, and input from the student's parents and teachers.
4. A Gifted Multidisciplinary Team (GMDT) considers several factors in determining eligibility (see the section "What is a gifted student?"). This team includes parents, teachers, and specialists. The team also considers other factors which may conceal giftedness, such as limited English proficiency, learning disabilities, physical or emotional impairments, or racial/cultural aspects.
5. If the child meets eligibility criteria, the team develops a Gifted Inpidualized Education Program (GIEP) to outline the services the child will receive to meet his or her special needs.
   
   

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE DISTRICT PROVIDE?
Services are provided to gifted students in grades K-12 as determined by the GMDT and defined in the GIEP. Services are provided in our schools at no cost to parents. Instructional or skill areas are inpidualized to meet the educational needs of the student.

QUALITY GIFTED INSTRUCTION INCLUDES:

• Exploration of topics beyond the regular curriculum
• Focus on analysis and interpretation. Interdisciplinary studies
• More complex approaches
• More conceptual and abstract approaches
• More involved, higher-level thinking
• More open-ended and creative approaches
• Opportunities for independent study and self-directed learning
• Studies from multiple perspectives
• Teacher facilitation. Use of a variety of resources
  
  

What are common misconceptions about gifted students?
While gifted students exhibit the same range of personalities, interests, and behaviors as other children their age, they are not all the same. Common misconceptions about gifted students are that they:

• Are compliant
• Are conscientious
• Are gifted in all areas
• Are highly motivated
• Are socially aware
• Demonstrate model behavior
• Easily read non-verbal cues
• Have high achievement in all areas
• Possess good organizational skills
  
  

Helpful Internet Resources:
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education
National Association for Gifted Children
Council for Exceptional Children
Hoagies' Gifted Education Page

Contact Information:
For more information or to request screening for your child,
contact the counselor at your student's home school.

Davis Elementary School: 215-364-5970
McDonald Elementary School: 215-441-6157
Willow Dale Elementary School: 215-441-6093
Klinger Middle School: 215-364-5950
Log College Middle School: 215-441-6075
William Tennent High School: 215-441-6181