Gifted and Talented Education
Definition of Gifted
Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.
For each student referred, information is gathered in areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.
To make a referral, contact the Gifted Teacher assigned to your student's school.
The Bessemer City School system shall prohibit discrimination against any student on the above basis with respect to his/her participation in the gifted program.
Gifted Referrals
Each Local Education Agency (LEA) must develop and implement procedures
to ensure that students who exhibit gifted characteristics are referred
for gifted services. Efforts must be made to identify students among
all populations and socioeconomic groups as well as students with
disabilities and students who are limited English Proficient. All second-
grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a
gifted behavior checklist provided by the State Department of Education.
A student may be considered for gifted services by teachers,
counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, and other
individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities. Standard
referrals may occur at any time for students six years of age and
older. Parents must be informed when the students are referred.
Each
LEA must also develop and implement procedures to evaluate students
referred for gifted services. Information must be obtained in the areas
of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. Upon receipt of this
information, the LEA will determine the eligibility of students for gifted
services. The LEA must utilize a variety of service delivery options.
Alabama Administrative Code
290-8-9.12 Gifted
Second Grade Child Find
Alabama began looking at criteria for the identification of potentially
gifted students. OCR found that Alabama has an under-representation of
minority and economically disadvantaged students in gifted programs.
They
asked that school systems consider every student as a potential gifted
referral at some point in their school career. Second grade was chosen
because that is when most referrals are generated and assessment becomes
more valid and reliable.
During the first semester of 2nd grade,
each student is observed as a potential gifted referral. The purpose of
this requirement is to ensure that students from all populations and
socioeconomic groups, as well as students with disabilities and students
with limited - English proficiencies, are given the opportunity to be
considered for gifted services.
During the process, the classroom
teacher and gifted specialist look at aptitude, characteristics, and
performance indicators and the NNAT-2 (a non-verbal aptitude screener).
By looking at all these indicators, teachers should be able to make an
accurate decision regarding student selection for gifted referrals.
This
is not the only time a child can be referred. This ensures that every
child has been considered at some point in his/her school career.
Second-grade child-find referrals follow the same process and eligibility criteria as standard referrals.
Second-grade child-find referrals do not have to follow the 90-day rule concerning
referral to placement; however, all 2nd-grade child-find referrals must
be complete in the fall before gifted services can begin.