Gifted Education

 
The Altoona Area School District is committed to providing the best educational opportunities for all students.
 
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The Definition of a Gifted Student

Mentally gifted is defined 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.

IQ 130 or more

The term "mentally gifted" includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher, when multiple criteria as set forth in Department Guidelines indicate gifted ability. Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone. The determination shall include an assessment by a certified school psychologist.
 

IQ Lower than 130

 Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone. Deficits in memory or processing speed, as indicated by testing, cannot be the sole basis upon which a student is determined to be ineligible for gifted special education. A person with an IQ score lower than 130 may be admitted to gifted programs when other educational criteria in the profile of the person strongly indicate gifted ability. Determination of mentally gifted must include an assessment by a certified school psychologist.

Characteristics

  • Rapidly processes and learns complex information
  • Comprehends materials several grade levels above peers
  • Absorbs information quickly with few repetitions needed
  • Natural curiosity and often asks questions
  • Creative problem-solving and expression
  • Explores subjects in surprising depth
  • Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics
  • Easily get bored with routine tasks
  • Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
  • Good sense of wit, imagination, and creativity
 
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Evaluation Process

  1. Parent or guardian submits a written request to one of the following:
    • Guidance staff
    • Student's teacher
    • Building principal
    • Special Education Office

  2. A district psychologist sends a request letter for written permission to evaluate the student.

  3. The psychologist distributes information to teachers.

  4. The psychologist evaluates the student on the following criteria:
    • Achievement
    • Rate of Acquisition/Retention
    • Demonstrated Achievement
    • Early Skill Development
    • Intervening Factors Masking Giftedness

  5. Contact is made to discuss the findings of the evaluation

  6. If necessary, a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) meeting is scheduled.
 
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Terminology

Chapter 14
Regulations regarding students with disabilities in Pennsylvania.
 
Chapter 16
Regulations and rules regarding gifted students in Pennsylvania.
 
Gifted Student
A student who is exceptional under section 1371 of the School Code because the student meets the definition of “mentally gifted” and needs specially designed instruction beyond that required in Chapter 4. 
 
Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE)
A systematic process of testing, assessment, other evaluative processes, and information that describes a student’s academic functioning, learning strengths, learning problems, and educational needs, and used by the GIEP team to make a determination about whether or not a student is gifted and needs specially designed instruction. 
 
Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP)
The plan written by the GIEP team that specifically describes the education to be provided to a gifted student. 
 
Gifted Written Report (GWR)
A written report that brings together the information and findings from the evaluation concerning the student’s educational needs and strengths. 
 
Gifted Multidisciplinary Team (GMDT)
A team of educators, other professional individuals, and the child’s parents that reviews all formal testing of a child and all other evaluation material.  The GMDT must issue a written report recommending whether the child is gifted and making suggestions about the programs and services needed.

Additional Reading

Gifted education is the shared responsibility of the Bureau of Special Education and the Bureau of Teaching and Learning Support. The integrated approach commits both Bureaus to providing support for Chapter 16.
 
Title 22 Education, Chapter 16: Special Education for Gifted Students regulations, the Parent Guide to Gifted Education, the Basic Education Circular Special Education for Gifted Students and the Gifted Guidelines reflect Pennsylvania's commitment to gifted students as "children with exceptionalities" and therefore in need of specially designed instruction.