Program Models and Curricular Options
Program Models (cont.).
Model #3 – Full time gifted/high achievers
This program is considered to be a general education class, not a gifted class, because all the students are not identified as gifted. If the school opts to place all their gifted students in one grade level in the same classroom, but there are not enough students to satisfy the school’s class size requirements, high achievers who have met specific criteria established by either the school or the school district will then be invited. Many times students scoring at the 95th percentile or above on one or both of their standardized tests in reading and math may be considered. Generally, the NRT (norm referenced test) is used for this determination. Because there are both gifted and non-gifted students,
the curriculum must be differentiated to meet student needs. A down side to this is that these children and their parents must understand that placement or participation in this program is not guaranteed every year, whereas those identified gifted have a “reserved” space annually. Most schools will have the parents sign a letter stating that they understand the situation, but it makes for a tough decision! The remainder of this program is the same as Model #2 and follows true for the middle and high school programs.
Model #4 – Self-contained general education classroom
Because gifted still falls under the ESE umbrella there are certain legal requirements. One of these is that a qualified, specially trained teacher must service children – in this case a gifted endorsed professional. If the school opts for their gifted students to remain in the general education classroom, their teacher must be gifted endorsed as well as certified in the specific area(s) being taught (elementary education or a core subject at the middle and high school levels.) If this is not the case, then a gifted endorsed teacher must be assigned to the class on a consultative basis to assist in developing and enhancing the curriculum for the gifted students. This person is responsible for monitoring students’ progress and assuring that all items specified in the EP are being covered and the criteria are being met.