Gifted
About Gifted Education
Gilbert Public Schools is a premier provider of services to Pre-K through Grade 12 students identified as gifted or twice-exceptional, using research-based instruction to address the needs of the whole child.
To achieve this vision, GPS seeks to:
- Address the social, emotional, cognitive, academic, physical, and kinesthetic needs of each gifted or twice-exceptional student.
- Use state-of-the-art diagnosis and pre-assessment tools that enable teachers to provide a rigorous curriculum at an appropriate instructional level for each student, with options that allow differentiation, individualization, and flexibility.
- Address the specific needs of gifted, highly gifted, profoundly gifted and twice-exceptional students using hands-on and project-based learning and innovative use of technology.
- Ensure appropriate training and professional development for teachers of gifted education students.
- Provide mechanisms for effective communication between families and school professionals.
Gifted Instruction
Gifted services are offered at the majority of our elementary schools to 4-6 grade students who are instructed by a highly qualified and gifted-endorsed teacher. Gifted students are provided with gifted math and ELA instruction. Gifted math for 4-6 graders includes instruction each day, one year above the student’s grade level. Gifted ELA for 6th graders includes instruction each day with the gifted teacher.
Most of our schools provide intermediate gifted math and ELA yet some expand gifted services to include other grade levels.
- Gifted math includes direct instruction each day. The math curriculum will be accelerated one year above their actual grade level.
- Gifted ELA uses the adopted text, ReadyGEN, each day. The curriculum will be enriched to meet the instructional needs of students, in addition to instructional practices that include critical and higher-order thinking questions.
- The gifted teachers plan appropriately challenging instruction for their gifted students. This may involve acceleration, enrichment, and extended learning opportunities targeted to develop each student’s full potential.
- All gifted teachers are highly qualified and have a gifted endorsement on their teaching certificate.
Gifted Education Contacts
Brent Gardner
COORDINATOR - PREK12 ADVANCED LEARNING
Gifted, Talented, and Creative at Highland High 7th & 8th Grade
Gilbert Public Schools expanded gifted services for 7th and 8th graders through the GTC (Gifted, Talented and Creative) Program at Highland Junior High School by providing a differentiated learning experience addressing the individual needs of gifted students.
Self-Contained Gifted at Towne Meadows Elementary 4th-6th Grade
The Self-Contained Gifted Program at Towne Meadows Elementary is designed for 4th, 5th and 6th grade profoundly gifted learners. The curriculum, enrichment and extension activities are specially designed to challenge students to develop both academically and socially.
FAQs
- How are students assessed for Gifted Identification?
- What is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)?
- How can my child be considered for Gifted Testing?
- My child was tested in another school district. Do those scores count?
- Is Summer Gifted Testing Available?