Gifted and Talented
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the GT Program at Beebe Public Schools define a gifted and talented student?
According to the Gifted and Talented Rules and Regulations: Program Approval Standards (ADE 2009), "Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services."
Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of the following:
1. Above average intellectual ability
2. Task commitment and/or motivation
3. Creative ability
According to the Gifted and Talented Rules and Regulations: Program Approval Standards (ADE 2009), "Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services."
Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of the following:
1. Above average intellectual ability
2. Task commitment and/or motivation
3. Creative ability
Renzulli's Three Ring Venn of Giftedness
2. How are students identified for the G/T program?
The first stage of identification in Elementary (3-4) schools, and ongoing through 12th grade, consists of gathering subjective and objective data. Starting with observations during G/T Whole Group Enrichment (K-2), the G/T Director/Specialists and classroom teachers discuss information to be placed on the Jot-It-Down Observation Checklist. All 2nd grade students are given a norm-referenced, non-verbal ability test during April. The data that results from this test may be used as a referral tool when searching to
find students who may possibly need referral to the G/T Program. A student may also be referred for possible placement in the G/T program at the end of their 2nd grade year by their teacher, parent/guardian, counselor, administrator, etc. Parents must give written permission before G/T testing can be administered.
As stated in 7.0 of the Arkansas Gifted and Talented Program Approval Standards: Use of at least two objective (one of which much measure creativity) and two subjective measures are used in the GT referral process. Objective information collected, once a child is referred, consists of augmented state assessments, G/T cognitive ability test(s), a creativity assessment. Subjective information is gathered from parent/teacher behavioral scales, grade point average, evaluation of product(s), and student interviews/observations.
Once objective information (data) is gathered from testing and subjective information has been quantified, placement meetings are held. Students are identified using a blind identification process (the placement committee knows no student names). No single criterion or cut-off score is used to include or exclude a student. The GT Placement committee is comprised of at least five members chaired by a trained specialist in gifted education. The committee will make a decision, regarding the best educational placement/ programming, for each child referred. Data reviewed will provide justification for placement/non-placement of students in the gifted program. Parents and teachers are notified by letter of the decisions of the GT Placement Committee. A parent/guardian must give written permission before a student may be placed in the gifted program. Instructionally useful student information obtained during the G/T identification process may be disseminated to the classroom teacher(s) via grade level team meetings. A student review is completed each year which provides documentation for continuation of gifted services.
A parent may appeal the decision of the GT Placement Committee or the annual review. A conference will first be held at the building level by the G/T specialist and the building administrator/and or GT Director. If the parent then wishes to file a formal appeal, a written appeal form will be used. The district GT Placement committee will review the appeal. (The GT Placement committee is comprised of at least five members consisting of, but not limited to, a classroom teacher(s), G/T Specialist(s), counselor(s), building administrator, and the Director of the Gifted/AP Programs.
3. What are some characteristics of giftedness?
There are a number of characteristics of giftedness. However it should be noted that not every gifted student portrays every characteristic. The list below covers some of
those characteristics:
Academic Ability
* Masters and recalls factual material quickly
* Sees cause and effect relationships; wants to know "why" and "how"
* Reads often; doesn't shy away from difficult material; may read at an advanced level (with comprehension) and/or prefer non-
fiction
* Has a highly-developed vocabulary and the ability to use verbal skills to solve conflicts, influence others, etc.
* Analyzes newly-learned material easily
* Understands relationships of numbers and concepts of time
* Makes connections between prior knowledge and new information
Motivational Characteristics
* Shows interest in adult issues (politics, religion, etc.)
* Asks questions; curious
* Focuses on topics of interest
* Is independent and self-assertive
*Has a strong sense of justice
* Can be self-critical; perfectionist
Creativity Characteristics
* Is adventurous; a risk taker
* Has a mature sense of humor
* Is curious about a wide variety of topics
* Expresses unique artistic perspectives
* Recognizes other points of view
(Adapted from the Renzulli Hartman Rating Scale)
4. Is Beebe Public Schools obligated to accept the evaluation of a student's giftedness from another state, school district, or independent service?
No. Beebe Public Schools is not a reciprocal district in terms of the identification of gifted students. Within the state of Arkansas,
each district has the ability to create its own G/T Program model. As such, it is imperative that the students placed in the G/T
program are best served by those program options. Therefore, it is essential to our district that the placement procedures match
the goals of the program. On the same note, Beebe Public Schools is not obligated to accept an out-of-district evaluation.
Beebe Public Schools reserves the right to analyze each case on an individual basis; an analysis that is in keeping with our
district's mission and goals. However, new students, particularly those identified as gifted in another setting, should be evaluated
by the district in a timely manner.
5. What is twice-exceptional?
Students who are identified as twice-exceptional may have learning disabilities that mask their giftedness/talent. These students
may require different identification methods and program modifications to reach their full potential. It should not be assumed that
students with disabilities cannot participate in the gifted and talented programs.
6. If I am concerned about the services currently available to my child, what should I do?
If parents/guardians have questions or concerns about the G/T, Accelerate, or AP services offered to their students, they should
contact the building G/T Specialist, Honors or AP teacher(s) assigned to their child's course, or the Director of Gifted Programs.
The first stage of identification in Elementary (3-4) schools, and ongoing through 12th grade, consists of gathering subjective and objective data. Starting with observations during G/T Whole Group Enrichment (K-2), the G/T Director/Specialists and classroom teachers discuss information to be placed on the Jot-It-Down Observation Checklist. All 2nd grade students are given a norm-referenced, non-verbal ability test during April. The data that results from this test may be used as a referral tool when searching to
find students who may possibly need referral to the G/T Program. A student may also be referred for possible placement in the G/T program at the end of their 2nd grade year by their teacher, parent/guardian, counselor, administrator, etc. Parents must give written permission before G/T testing can be administered.
As stated in 7.0 of the Arkansas Gifted and Talented Program Approval Standards: Use of at least two objective (one of which much measure creativity) and two subjective measures are used in the GT referral process. Objective information collected, once a child is referred, consists of augmented state assessments, G/T cognitive ability test(s), a creativity assessment. Subjective information is gathered from parent/teacher behavioral scales, grade point average, evaluation of product(s), and student interviews/observations.
Once objective information (data) is gathered from testing and subjective information has been quantified, placement meetings are held. Students are identified using a blind identification process (the placement committee knows no student names). No single criterion or cut-off score is used to include or exclude a student. The GT Placement committee is comprised of at least five members chaired by a trained specialist in gifted education. The committee will make a decision, regarding the best educational placement/ programming, for each child referred. Data reviewed will provide justification for placement/non-placement of students in the gifted program. Parents and teachers are notified by letter of the decisions of the GT Placement Committee. A parent/guardian must give written permission before a student may be placed in the gifted program. Instructionally useful student information obtained during the G/T identification process may be disseminated to the classroom teacher(s) via grade level team meetings. A student review is completed each year which provides documentation for continuation of gifted services.
A parent may appeal the decision of the GT Placement Committee or the annual review. A conference will first be held at the building level by the G/T specialist and the building administrator/and or GT Director. If the parent then wishes to file a formal appeal, a written appeal form will be used. The district GT Placement committee will review the appeal. (The GT Placement committee is comprised of at least five members consisting of, but not limited to, a classroom teacher(s), G/T Specialist(s), counselor(s), building administrator, and the Director of the Gifted/AP Programs.
3. What are some characteristics of giftedness?
There are a number of characteristics of giftedness. However it should be noted that not every gifted student portrays every characteristic. The list below covers some of
those characteristics:
Academic Ability
* Masters and recalls factual material quickly
* Sees cause and effect relationships; wants to know "why" and "how"
* Reads often; doesn't shy away from difficult material; may read at an advanced level (with comprehension) and/or prefer non-
fiction
* Has a highly-developed vocabulary and the ability to use verbal skills to solve conflicts, influence others, etc.
* Analyzes newly-learned material easily
* Understands relationships of numbers and concepts of time
* Makes connections between prior knowledge and new information
Motivational Characteristics
* Shows interest in adult issues (politics, religion, etc.)
* Asks questions; curious
* Focuses on topics of interest
* Is independent and self-assertive
*Has a strong sense of justice
* Can be self-critical; perfectionist
Creativity Characteristics
* Is adventurous; a risk taker
* Has a mature sense of humor
* Is curious about a wide variety of topics
* Expresses unique artistic perspectives
* Recognizes other points of view
(Adapted from the Renzulli Hartman Rating Scale)
4. Is Beebe Public Schools obligated to accept the evaluation of a student's giftedness from another state, school district, or independent service?
No. Beebe Public Schools is not a reciprocal district in terms of the identification of gifted students. Within the state of Arkansas,
each district has the ability to create its own G/T Program model. As such, it is imperative that the students placed in the G/T
program are best served by those program options. Therefore, it is essential to our district that the placement procedures match
the goals of the program. On the same note, Beebe Public Schools is not obligated to accept an out-of-district evaluation.
Beebe Public Schools reserves the right to analyze each case on an individual basis; an analysis that is in keeping with our
district's mission and goals. However, new students, particularly those identified as gifted in another setting, should be evaluated
by the district in a timely manner.
5. What is twice-exceptional?
Students who are identified as twice-exceptional may have learning disabilities that mask their giftedness/talent. These students
may require different identification methods and program modifications to reach their full potential. It should not be assumed that
students with disabilities cannot participate in the gifted and talented programs.
6. If I am concerned about the services currently available to my child, what should I do?
If parents/guardians have questions or concerns about the G/T, Accelerate, or AP services offered to their students, they should
contact the building G/T Specialist, Honors or AP teacher(s) assigned to their child's course, or the Director of Gifted Programs.