In Prince William County, the main component of gifted education services at the high school level is the seminar program, which students attend according to the schedules shown on The Seminar Program page. View a brief overview of the curriculum for high school. (PDF)
The seminars are complemented by the following:
- Differentiated instruction with coursework in advanced and AP classes and in specialty programs;
- Differentiated instruction in the classroom setting;
- Conferencing with resource teacher for academic and socio-emotional purposes;
- Summer Residential Governor's School programs;
- Opportunities for dual enrollment and individual studies;
- GEMS (Gifted Education Multi-disciplinary Seminar) course available to seniors; and
- Gifted resource teacher available for assistance with college applications.
What is a Seminar?
The seminar involves a small group of students in which an activity or reading leads to a discussion where students evaluate, express, and synthesize their knowledge and values. Seminars use different themes in different grades:
- 9th Grade Human Activity and Identity
- 10th Grade Methods, Foundations and Limits of Science
- 11th Grade The American Experience
- 12th Grade GEMS (Gifted Education Multi-Disciplinary Seminar)
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.
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. If a student does not qualify for the program, it means his academic needs do not indicate that extra services are required at the time of evaluation.
I think my child is gifted. How do I recommend him/her for the program?
Parents, teachers, administrators, peers, students, counselors, or the gifted education resource teacher may all make recommendations for the gifted program. Contact Mr. Bredbenner for the necessary form to make the recommendation. The student's parent or guardian must give permission in order for him to be screened for the program. 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 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.
What are the steps in the identification process?
The identification process may take up to 65 days. 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.