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Gifted Education Services
GIFTED EDUCATION SERVICES & ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Gifted Education Services
While the State of Ohio requires gifted identification, it does not mandate comprehensive services for children identified as gifted. Each district must define which identified gifted children will receive services available in their district. Due to the wide range of ability and differing developmental needs of gifted students, no single service option can provide an optimal educational experience for all identified students. Therefore, a continuum of services is recommended. It is important to match the appropriate educational opportunity to the need of identified students.
Thoughts and Tips
A posting in the September 5, 2011, edition of NEWSWEEK Magazine reinforces something I suspect we all surmised, "Literacy begins early, according to the latest research, which finds that experiences in preschool can predict outcomes several years later. Children whose preschool teachers read with them more and talked to them using sophisticated vocabulary had better language and reading skills in fourth grade than kids whose teachers did not engage them."
It seems that this would also apply to what we as parents might do. Do you know that as a resident of Ohio you have access to, and can obtain a library card at, any public library in Ohio?
Continuum of Services K-12
Elementary Service
The Big Walnut Local School District employs two full-time gifted intervention specialists (GIS) who provide resources room pull-out and/or inclusion services at all elementary buildings. The GIS and gifted coordinator provide collaborative support to classroom teachers in order to create and implement differentiated instructional opportunities in the regular classroom.
Services in the Big Walnut Local Schools are provided in accordance with OAC 3301-51-15, which includes a guideline for the GIS to serve a maximum of 60 identified gifted children or 20 full-time equivalent gifted children if in a self-contained setting. This is to ensure that students are receiving quality instruction.
Eligibility for Revolving Enrichment in Academics, Creative Thinking and High-Level Cognitive Skills [REACH] Services
REACH is a pull-out program for students in the third, fourth and fifth grades. Students who have been identified as Superior Cognitive, according to the state requirements for the identification of gifted children, plus Reading and/or Math ID will have first consideration for direct services through the elementary REACH Program.
Participation in the Big Walnut REACH program does not automatically guarantee placement during the next school year. Students are evaluated on a continuing basis, and the needs of the gifted student population will be considered. Services may need to be adjusted as we monitor student needs.
Students who transfer into the district or are identified during the school year will be placed on a waiting list by grade level. Students who meet the service requirements will be invited to participate in the program.
Big Walnut Middle School Services & Opportunities for Challenge
Honors classes in language arts and in math are offered in grades six, seven, and eight. Students who have been identified as cognitively gifted students and students with specific subject identification in language arts and in math are eligible for the classes.
Big Walnut High School Services & Opportunities for Challenge
· Independent Study
· Honors Classes
· Advanced Placement Classes
· Post-Secondary Options
Acceleration
Capable students may qualify for early entrance to kindergarten or first grade, subject or whole grade acceleration, and early graduation from high school in accordance with the Big Walnut Local Schools acceleration policy. Parents should contact their child’s building principal or the gifted coordinator for more information on student acceleration.
Need additional information or have questions? Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding your child and the Big Walnut Gifted Services program. We welcome your inquiries!
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