EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Gifted and Talented Education Program
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PHILOSOPHY East Bernard Independent School District's philosophy of providing educational opportunities to meet the needs of all children recognizes that gifted and talented students have needs that require special programs. The district believes that academically talented students are very important resources in our society and deserve an opportunity to discover, develop, and fulfill their potential.
DEFINITION The State of Texas has provided the following definition to assist educators, counselors, and parents in the identification of gifted and talented students: "Gifted and talented student' means a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience or environment and who: (1) exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area; (2) possesses an unusual capacity for leadership; (3) or excels in a specific academic field" Educational Code 29.121 The East Bernard Independent School District Gifted and Talented Program will identify and nurture the abilities of students who are gifted and talented in the areas of general intellectual ability, specific academic ability, and/or achievement.
TEXAS STATE GOAL FOR SERVICES FOR GIFTED STUDENTS "Students who participate in services designed for gifted students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning and thinking. Research and communication are evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and innovative practices and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment.” (Texas State Plan for the Education of the Gifted/Talented Students)
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ASSESSING STUDENT NEEDS The GT education program provides ongoing screening and selection of students who perform or show potential at remarkably high levels of accomplishment. The identification process is planned and conducted by a group of professional educators involved in the GT education program. The purpose of identification is to determine which students will benefit from the services provided. A selection committee reviews individual student screening data before making identification decisions. Parents must grant permission for testing. Assessment measures are calculated from multiple sources to ensure that students from all populations in the district have access to assessment. The data collected is compiled in a matrix. Each measure is equally weighed. Identified students receive services through the GT education program. Program policy also provides for probation, furlough, transfer and reassessment, exit of students, and appeals of district decisions regarding program placement. The identification procedures are divided into three steps:
1. Nomination
Nominations of students for the GT educational program are ongoing throughout the school year and are based on the teacher and/or the parent/legal guardian. The GT assessment process is inclusive and allows for all student groups to be nominated. • Racial ethnic, gender, and minority group students • Handicapped students • Culturally different students • Economically disadvantaged students • Students who display various types of classroom behavior such as disruptiveness, extreme shyness, excessively high energy levels, continuous questioning, emotional disturbance, intense anxiety and short attention spans. Referral forms can be picked up from the campus counselor (Appendix B). 2. Screening • The GT coordinator will notify by letter the parents of children nominated and will send them the Parent Authorization and Parent Inventory forms (see Appendix C and Appendix M). • Data will be collected on nominated students upon receipt of the Permission to Test Form. Data will include: 1. Parent evaluation of the child by means of the Parent Survey Form. 2. Teacher referral packet which includes: Achievement test scores, and performing grade level. 3. Scores on a general ability test administered by district staff. 4. Scores on an individual intelligence test administered by district staff.
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The GT coordinator will complete the East Bernard I SD matrix for each student recommended. The matrix form will be sent to the Selection Committee (see Appendix D and E). • Assessment of students for East Bernard ISD GT Education Program includes measures collected from multiple sources for each area of gifted and talented served by the district. • No single criterion is the determining factor in the identification process. • Data and procedures used during the assessment process are designed to assure that the population of the program for gifted students reflects the population of the total district. • All student information collected during the screening and identification process shall be an educational record and will be filed in the students' GT folder. • Both subjective and objective criteria are used in assessing students for the gifted program. 3. Selection • Final selection of students is made by the Selection Committee. A group of at least three district educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted students. • The Selection Committee members will review all relevant test data, matrix and referral information for those students nominated for the GT program. • Students performing at the superior level on at least three areas of the assessment shall be recommended for GT program placement and identified as a gifted learner. • At least 5% but not limited to 5% of the total district student population will be identified as gifted/talented. • The Selection Committee will keep record of all information discussed in the meetings on the Selection Committee Minutes form (see Appendix H). Written minutes and an agenda will be kept on file.
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PLACEMENT The Selection Committee will review assessment data and make a decision based on the district's criteria for students recommended to the E a s t B e r n a r d I S D GT program. Parent permission must be secured in writing before the student is serviced in the GT program. Parents and/or legal guardians of the nominated student have the right to review their child's test scores. They may also appeal following East Bernard ISD procedures for appeal of a non-qualifying decision made by the Selection Committee.
APPEAL Parents/legal guardians may appeal all final decisions of the Selection Committee within 14 days of notification. The initial request shall be made in writing to the Selection Committee. Any subsequent appeals shall be made in accordance to East Bernard ISD 's board policy addressing Public Complaints.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION Participation in the GT education program is voluntary on the part of the student and requires written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Upon completion of the Individualized Student Plan (ISP), the student is placed in the program. (Appendix H). Participation in the program continues when the student is performing well. A student performing below expectations may be re-assessed for appropriate modifications, furlough or exit from the program. T h e E a s t Bernard Independent School District GT Program recognizes that a GT student may have need for an alternative placement. Following notification of reassessment, furlough, or exit from the program, the GT teacher will facilitate an ISP conference with a parent/legal guardian, the student, teacher(s), and an administrator to determine the status of the student.
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REASSESSMENT Students in the GT program who have qualified as a gifted student will be reassessed to determine appropriate program placement when a student moves from the elementary level to the junior high level and the junior high level to the high school level. Students may also be reassessed within 30 days of moving into the district. (see Transfer Student Section). GT students may also be reassessed if there is a request, or the GT committee and/or teacher finds reason for re-evaluation. (see Appendix I) 1. Probation Rationale: • • •
Failure to participate and contribute to assigned class activities Failure to complete assignments Failure to complete work in a timely manner
• • •
Lack of motivation and/or displays argumentative behavior Consistently disruptive of the educational process for themselves or others Consistently unwilling and/or unable to maintain adequate achievement and interest
Written notification will be given to the parents and student of the proposed action. A Probation Letter (see Appendix I) indicating the actions taken by the GT Committee will be placed in the student's file. The student will continue in the designated class(es). The GT Committee will schedule a parent conference upon termination of the probationary period to assess the student's progress and to determine appropriate placement.
2.
Furlough
A furlough may be granted at the request of the teacher and/or parent/legal guardian. Rationale: • • • • • •
Fail to receive a passing grade in any regular education course Scheduling problems that prohibit enrollment in GT class(es) Evidence indicates the student is over-extended mentally and physically Student's request with parental approval. Parent's request. Teacher/Administrator/counselor request for student to be offered a short term alternative.
Written notification will be given to parents/legal guardians and student of the proposed action. A Furlough Letter (see Appendix J) indicating the action taken by the GT Committee will be placed in the GT file. The GT student will not attend designated GT class(es), but will be monitored by the GT teacher during the stated furlough period. The GT Committee will schedule a parent conference, if needed, upon termination of the furlough period to assess the student's progress and to determine appropriate placement.
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3. Exit The exit of a student in the gifted and talented program may occur at the request of the teacher and/or parent/legal guardian. Rationale: • Unsatisfactory performance in GT education class(es) • Educational placement is no longer beneficial to the student • Assessment at the end of probationary and/or furlough indicates the need for an alternative placement • Student with parental permission chooses not to participate in the program • Recommendation of teacher, counselor, GT teacher or administrator Parents/legal guardians and student will be notified in writing of the proposed action (see Appendix K). When the reasons for exiting a student from the GT education program are received, the GT c o o r d i n a t o r will facilitate a conference with the GT Committee, parents/legal guardians, and student. A copy of the ISP form will remain in the students GT file. This action does not keep the student from being nominated and qualifying in future selection sessions
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TRANSFER STUDENTS Transfer students identified by another school district will have all records submitted to the GT Selection Committee to determine if placement in the district's program for gifted students is appropriate. The district has the option to accept or not to accept the transfer record criteria for entrance to the program. Additional testing may be required. The GT Selection Committee will notify the respective campus to ensure that the student shall be properly placed within 30 days.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION The State of Texas requires that the district shall provide an array of learning opportunities for gifted/ talented students in kindergarten through grade 12 and provided through classroom instruction and/or GT Teacher. Options may include: 1. Curriculum that is based on the characteristics and the needs of gifted students. 2. Time and resources for curriculum development will be supported by campus facilitators and district administrators. 3 Curriculum for the gifted will extend and enrich. 4. Curriculum will provide for a continuum of learning experiences that leads to the development of advanced products, performances and knowledge. 5. Differentiating content, process, and products will encourage students to move beyond factual information toward broader concepts and generalizations. 6. Curriculum providing affective growth by: A. Providing opportunities for insights into one's strengths, weaknesses, interests, learning styles and preferences B. Developing an understanding of responsibilities in a complex and diverse society C. Providing opportunities for career and leadership assessment and training as well as cooperative skills D. Providing opportunities to investigate the relationship between oneself and others and to set developmentally appropriate personal goals
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The foundation of a valued GT education program rests on the exceptional qualities of professional educators. Opportunities for professional development in the area of gifted education are published and provided throughout the school year and summer months to professionals in the district. Evaluation of professional development opportunities for gifted/talented education is ongoing. All teachers who provide services to GT students will receive initial training (30 hours) which includes the nature and needs of GT students, assessing student needs and curriculum, and instruction for GT students. Teachers continuing as providers of instruction and services should receive six (6) renewal hours annually. Administrators and counselors who have authority for program decisions should receive six (6) hours of professional development that includes nature and needs of GT students and program options. Additionally, the school board, parents, and the community members will receive information and regular interactive communication about the GT education program (19TAC 892).
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
GT Referral Process
APPENDIX B
GT Program Referral Form
APPENDIX C
GT Parent Authorization
APPENDIX D
K through 5 Identification Matrix
APPENDIX E
JH/HS Identification Matrix
APPENDIX F
Individualized Student Plan
APPENDIX G
Meeting Minutes Form
APPENDIX H
Notice of Probation
APPENDIX I
Notice of Furlough
APPENDIX J
Notice of Exit
APPENDIX K
Selection Committee Results
APPENDIX L
Parent Inventory
APPENDIX M
Yearly Evaluation
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APPENDIX A EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED REFERRAL PROCESS
The process for referring a student for the Gifted and Talented program at East Bernard ISD is as follows: 1)
A teacher or parent/legal guardian should complete the GT Referral Form and return it to the campus counselor by the deadline indicated on the form.
2)
Following the receipt of the GT Referral Form, the GT coordinator will send the Parent Authorization for Educational Diagnosis form. When signed and returned, this form gives permission for the student to be assessed using multiple sources for each area of giftedness served by the district.
3)
The GT coordinator will provide the teacher and parent/legal guardian with the GATES Gifted and Talented Evaluation Scales.
4)
The GT coordinator will collect data, such as STAAR scores, TPRI scores, and report cards.
5)
The referred student will then be assessed using the NNAT 2 and the SAGES – 2.
6)
The GT coordinator will submit all information gathered to the GT Committee. The GT committee will determine if the student meets the district GT program qualifications.
7)
Once the committee has decided appropriate placement, an Individualized Student Planning (ISP) meeting is called with the GT coordinator and the GT teacher. Student matrix and test scores are reviewed. An ISP form, goals and objectives are written for those who qualify for the GT program.
8)
Student may begin receiving GT services following an ISP meeting. A parent/legal guardian must sign the ISP form which will provide East Bernard ISD written permission to begin GT services.
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APPENDIX B
EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GT PROGRAM REFERRAL FORM
Student: __________________________________ Teacher: ____________________________
Parent/Legal Guardian: ____________________________ Grade: _________ Sex: __________
Home Phone: __________________________ Cell Phone: ______________________________
Address: ______________________________________________ DOB: ___________________
For Office Use Only
1.
Current Reading Grade: ______
2.
Current Math Grade: _______ Math STAAR: ______
3.
Current English/LA Grade: _______
4.
Current Science Grade:
5.
Current Social Studies Grade: _______
TPRI:________ Reading STAAR: ______
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APPENDIX C
EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Parent Authorization for Educational Diagnosis This is to inform you that your son/daughter has been recommended for testing by his/her teacher for the Gifted and Talented program. If you would like your child to be tested, we must obtain parent/guardian permission. You understand that these services may include the administration of individual intelligence, achievement, process, and aptitude tests to be given by qualified personnel, and that upon completion a conference will be arranged to discuss the conclusions and recommendations resulting from the services. Check One: I give my permission for my child to be assessed for possible gifted/talented services. I DO NOT give my permission for my child to be assessed for possible gifted/talented services.
Name of Student
_
Address
_
City, State, Zip Birthday
_ Grade
Teacher
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian
Date
Printed Name of Parent/Legal Guardian
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_
APPENDIX D
EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED/TALENTED IDENTIFICATION MATRIX Kindergarten through Grade 5
NAME: ____________________________
SUPERIOR
DATE:_____________________________
EXCELLENT
VERY GOOD
ABOVE AVERAGE
TOTAL
TEACHER (GATES) PARENT SAGES (LA/SS) SAGES (MATH/SCI) NNAT-2 TOTAL POINT SYSTEM Superior = 3 Points Excellent = 2 Points Very Good = 1 Point Above Average = 0 Points
TO QUALIFY: Must qualify in three or more areas
1st -2nd: TPRI, grades, Teacher and/or Parent Referral, SAGES, Teacher Checklist Points to qualify - 10 or above 3rd-5th: Grades, Teacher Checklist, Parent Checklist, SAGES, Teacher and/or Parent Referral, 4th and 5th STAAR commended Points to qualify – 11 or above The Selection Committee met to discuss the placement of ___________________________________ into the Gifted and Talented Program at East Bernard ISD. After review of all educational data and testing, the committee decided: _________ Accepted into the East Bernard Gifted/Talented Program _________ Not accepted into the program at this time _________ More information is needed, will be reconsidered by _____________________________ Committee Signatures: Signatures
Position
Agree
Disagree
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APPENDIX E EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISRICT GIFTED/TALENTED IDENTIFICATION MATRIX Junior High and High School 6th through 12th Grades
NAME: ___________________________________
MINIMUM SCORE
DATE: ________________________
ACTUAL SCORE
+/-
COMMENTS
TEACHER (GATES) PARENT SAGES (LA/SS) SAGES (MATH/SCI) NNAT-2 TOTAL TO QUALIFY: MUST QUALIFY IN THREE OR MORE AREAS MINIMUM SCORE -DETERMINED FROM EACH TESTING MANUAL USING THE SUPERIOR RANGE SCORES. The Selection Committee met to discuss the placement of ___________________________________ into the Gifted and Talented Program at East Bernard ISD. After review of all educational data and testing, the committee decided: _________ Accepted into the East Bernard Gifted/Talented Program _________ Not accepted into the program at this time _________ More information is needed, will be reconsidered by _____________________________ Committee Signatures: Signatures
Position
Agree
Disagree
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APPENDIX F EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Individualized Student Plan
Name: ____________________________ Grade: ________ Date: ___________ Purpose of the ISP Committee Meeting: Admission I.
Exit
Transfer
Review
Furlough
Background Information: Referral Date
Test Date
ISP Date
Next Review Date __________ Birthday __________ Grade _________ Parents/Legal Guardians: Address:______________________________________________________________________ Data Reviewed by ISP Committee: Observation:
Classroom Functioning:
Assessment:
Standardized Test Date: __________ Home Language Survey: _________________________________
II.
Present Level of Performance
III.
Eligibility as established by the Gifted/Talented Committee _____General Intellectual Ability _____ Specific Subject Area _____ English/Language Arts/Social Studies _____ Mathematics/Science
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IV.
High School Program Foundation with Endorsements: Endorsements:
______ Distinguished Level of Achievement ______ Foundation
V.
Least Restrictive Environment Regular Education Regular Education with GT services
VI.
Signatures of ISP Committee
Signatures
Position
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Agree
Disagree
APPENDIX G EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Meeting Minutes Form
Student Name: _________________________________________
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Date: ____________________
APPENDIX H
EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Notice of Probation Name: ____________________________ Grade: _______ Date: ________ The above mentioned student has been placed on probation in the East Bernard Independent School District gifted/talented program for the period beginning ____________ and ending ____________. Rationale for this action: Failure to participate and contribute to assigned class activities Failure to complete assignments Failure to complete work in a timely manner Failure to work cooperatively with team of students Lack of motivation Displays argumentative behavior / unresponsive to intervention Disruptive of the educational process for self and/or other students Unwilling and/or unable to maintain adequate achievement and interest
Additional Comments:
Committee Signatures Signatures
Position
Agree
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Disagree
APPENDIX I
EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Notice of Furlough
Name: ____________________________ Grade: _______Date: ____________ The above mentioned student has been placed on furlough from the East Bernard Independent School District gifted/talented program for the period beginning ____________ and ending ____________. Rationale for this action: evidence indicates that the student is over-extended mentally and/or physically student request with parental approval for inactive alternative parent request for student to be offered an inactive alternative teacher, counselor, GT teacher, or other professional personnel request for the student to be offered a short term alternative Additional Comments:
Committee Signatures Signatures
Position
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Agree
Disagree
APPENDIX J EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Notice of Exit Name: ______________________ Grade: ________ Date: ________________ The above mentioned student has been exited from the East Bernard Independent School District gifted/talented program.
Rationale for this action: unsatisfactory performance in GT education class(es) educational placement is no longer beneficial to the student assessment at the end of probationary/furlough indicates need for an alternative placement recommendation of teacher, counselor, GT teacher or other professional personnel Additional Comments:
Committee Signatures: Signatures
Position
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Agree
Disagree
APPENDIX K EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Selection Committee Results
Name: _______________________ Grade: ____________ Date: ____________ Final selection of students for services designed for gifted students is made by a committee of at least three district or campus educators who have received training in the nature and needs of the gifted students. Decisions made by the committee take into consideration testing data that has been accumulated, examples of work, parent/teacher inventories and the characteristics of gifted and talented students. The selection committee assures that the placement decisions are based on the perceived educational needs of each individual student. The Selection Committee met to discuss the placement of ____________________into the Gifted and Talented Program at East Bernard Independent School District. After review of all inventories and educational data the committee decided: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Program Not accepted into the program at this time More information is needed - will be reconsidered by
Committee Signatures: Signatures
Position
Agree
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Disagree
APPENDIX L EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Parent Inventory Name: _____________________________________ Grade: _________________Date: __________________ Please check the appropriate box that identifies each trait with its time factor. Very little 1
Some of the time 2
Most of the time 3
Is alert beyond his/her years. Likes school. Has an interest of older children or adults in games in reading. Sticks to a task. Is observant. Has many ideas to share. Has many different ways to solve problems. Is aware of problems others do not notice. Wants to know how and why. Likes to pretend. Initiates play activities. Asks many questions about a variety of subjects. Is concerned with details. Enjoys and responds to beauty. Is able to plan and organize activities. Often finds and corrects mistakes, including his/her own. Others seem to enjoy his/her company. Makes up stories and has ideas that are unique. Has a wide range of interests. Gets older children to do what he/she wants. Likes to play organized games and is good at them. Enjoys other people and seeks them out. Is able and willing to work with others. Sets high standards for self. Chooses difficult problems over simple ones. Is able to laugh at himself/herself (if necessary). Likes to do many things and participates with enthusiasm. Likes to have his/her ideas heard.
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: _______________________
Printed Name of Parent/Legal Guardian: ______________________
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APPENDIX M EAST BERNARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Yearly Evaluation
1.
Total enrollment in the program
2.
Number of females enrolled in the program
3.
Number of males enrolled in the program
4.
Number of students by ethnicity:
Ethnicit y
5.
_______________
Number of Students
Percentage of GT students who passed STAAR
_________________
Math Reading Writing Social Studies Science
6.
Number of graduated GT students attending college ________________
7.
Number of students attempting AP exams
________________________________________________________________________________ All teachers who provide instruction to gifted and talented students: TEACHERS
30 Hours
6 Hours
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Certificate
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