What does it mean to be gifted?

Gifted students are those who have higher than average cognitive potential. They are learners who easily process new information, have exceptional memories, are exceptionally creative, and/or have a natural ability for analysis and synthesis. Based on evidence collected during the Identification process, these students may need resources beyond the general classroom for their intellectual needs to be met.

How do I know if my child is gifted?

Prince William County has a process in place for the identification of students who require the services of the program. Students must be evaluated for Gifted Services and be found eligible in order to participate in seminars. If a student does not qualify for the program, it means his academic needs do not indicate that special services are required at the time of evaluation.

I think my child is gifted. How do I recommend him for the program?

Parents, teachers, administrators, peers, students, counselors, or the gifted education resource teacher may all make recommendations for the gifted program. A referral form is available below ("Step 1"). The student's parent or guardian must give permission in order for him to be screened for the program and the identification process to actually begin ("Step 2" below). The gifted resource teacher gathers information from multiple sources, administers necessary tests, and assembles the committee of professionals which determines if the student requires services.

I am having problems completing the parent or student report. What do I do?

Contact Mr. Bredbenner with any questions. This is your chance to highlight your child's achievements; specific examples of your child's actions help the committee understand your child and his capabilities. Blank copies of the Parent Report and Student Response are available below ("Step 3").

What are the steps in the identification process?

The identification process may take up to sixty-five days and concludes at a county-level Identification and Placement Committee meetings. These committees occur near the beginning of each marking period and include gifted resource teachers, core classroom teachers, school counselors and administrators. Information in the following areas is considered…

· Aptitude test scores

-Naglieri Nonverbal Test of Abilities

-Cognitive Abilities Test

-Other available test scores

· Grades and grade level or criterion-referenced state tests

-Grades in math, science, English or foreign language, and social studies

-SOL test scores

· Normed achievement tests or student reports and portfolios

-PSAT (the National Representative Sample Percentiles for each area)

-Student Report (completed in school with gifted resource teacher)

-Student work samples (provided by student and teachers)

· Teacher and/or parent reports

-Teacher Report from core subject teachers

-Parent report completed by parent or guardian

First, a school-level committee compiles and evaluates this information. Second, a county-level committee, composed of gifted education resource teachers, a guidance counselor, classroom teachers, and an administrator, reviews the information Third, the committee decides if the student currently requires gifted services. Finally, the parent or guardian is notified by letter of the committee's decision. Decisions may be appealed; contact Mr. Bredbenner for more information on the appeals process.

Students who are found eligible for gifted resource services may begin attending seminars as soon as they have returned their Program Permission form ("Step 4" below).