Gifted and Talented Programming

Gifted/Talented Programming in RSU 24

Meet Our Staff

John Kucera
Gifted & Talented Teacher, Grades 3-12

Academic Program

In accordance with RSU 24 philosophy and vision statement, the Gifted and Talented program is designed to identify and serve students who exceed or have the potential to exceed the standards beyond their age peers in the academic areas of ELA, Mathematics, Social Studies, and/or Science. These students may require differentiated educational experiences that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards as well as the Maine Learning Results. The schools in RSU 24 are committed to meeting the needs of these students.

Our program will foster academic, social, and emotional growth. Specialized, differentiated, in-depth instruction will be provided for these students.

3-5: Intermediate opportunities may include: acceleration, differentiation, enrichment, individual instruction, independent assignments, and/or mentorships. Each of our four schools may offer unique opportunities.
6-12: Middle and high school opportunities at the Charles M. Sumner Learning Campus will involve expanded opportunities and/or coursework focused on specific academic areas for distinguished students.

Goals:

To provide a differentiated program appropriate to the needs of gifted and talented students in grades K-12.
To develop a positive a positive self-concept and an understanding of giftedness as it relates to gifted persons and others in grades K-12.
To allow distinguish students students in grades K-12 to become motivated learners.

Arts Program

In accordance with RSU 24 philosophy and vision statement, the Gifted and Talented Arts program is designed to identify and serve students who exceed or have the potential to exceed the standards beyond their age peers in the areas of Visual/Performing arts. These students may require differentiated educational experiences that are aligned with the Maine Learning Results and the National Core Arts Standards. The schools in RSU 24 are committed to meeting the needs of these students.

The Gifted and Talented Arts program in RSU 24 will identify and provide services for students in grades K-12. This program will foster academic, social, and emotional growth in the arts. Specialized, differentiated, in-depth instruction will be provided for these students.

3-6: Intermediate and middle-level opportunities may include: individual instruction, independent assignments, mentoring, and/or visiting artists/musicians. Each of our four schools may offer unique opportunities.
6-12: Middle and high school opportunities at the Charles M. Sumner Learning Campus will involve expanded opportunities and/or coursework focused on specific visual/performing arts areas for distinguished students.

Goals:

To provide a differentiated program in the Visual/Performing Arts appropriate to the needs of gifted and talented students in grades K-12.
To develop a positive self-concept and an understanding of giftedness as it relates to gifted persons and others in the Visual/Performing arts in grades K-12.
To allow distinguished students in grades K-12 to become motivated learners in the arts.

Screening Process, Placement, and Exit Procedure

RSU 24 will annually conduct screening of students in grades 3-12. Screening tools include, but are not limited to:

Referral/nomination by classroom teachers
Self-referral
Standardized test scores, such as NWEA, and MEA
Checklists such as modified Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students (SRBCSS)

Selection will be made by a team consisting of classroom teachers, an administrator, and the G/T teacher. This team will review the collected data and determine the needs of a particular student. To be identified, the students must receive scores within the highest range on the screening tool.

Placement will occur in collaboration between the G/T teacher and the classroom teachers:

A program notification letter will be sent to parents and administrators
Written parental permission will be obtained
Records of participation will be maintained in each child's cumulative folder
An annual review of each child's program through their Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) will be conducted

Exit Procedure - listed below are many possible situations that may lead to a student exiting the G/T program:

Inability to function in a group
Emotional readiness
Emotional trauma
Attendance issues
Disruption to others' learning
Unwillingness to participate
Low performance
Anxiety regarding regular classroom work
Tuning out during advanced work time
Frustration
Teacher request
Student request
Parent/guardian request
Administrator request

After the annual review of identified students' progress and appropriateness of placement is completed, the exiting request by a student, parent, teacher, or administrator will be considered by the G/T committee. If it is determined that the student should exit the program, an appropriate form will be filled out and filed in the student's permanent record. A copy of the completed form and a letter detailing the Appeals Process will be sent to the parents/guardian of the student.