GJSD is committed to providing educational services which are designed to meet the individual needs of mentally gifted students.
Definition of a gifted student
The National Association for Gifted Children defines gifted students as the following: “Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason or learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10% or rarer) in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensorimotor skills (e.g., painting, dance, and sports).”
Identification and referral process
If you feel that your child may be in need of gifted services, he/she will be screened by the school psychologist. The following are the procedures that are used to identify a student that may be considered gifted.
1.The request is made by the teacher or parent.
-If a parent requests, a “Request for Gifted Evaluation” is sent within 10 calendar days. Once it is returned, a Permission to Evaluate is sent within 10 calendar days. Once the Permission is returned, the evaluation is completed within 60 calendar days during the school year.
-If a teacher requests, after the parent is contacted, a "Permission to Evaluate" is sent. Once the permission is returned, the evaluation is completed within 60 calendar days during the school year.
2. The school psychologist gathers teacher and parent input via district input forms.
3. The school psychologists complete cognitive and academic assessments, as well as a Student Interest Inventory.
4. The school psychologists compile the information into the Gifted Written Report (GWR) and determine if the student is eligible for Gifted Services
- If eligible, a GIEP is developed, and a meeting is held. A Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA) is signed and a copy of the Parental Rights for Gifted Students is provided.
- If ineligible, the parent is contacted, the report is discussed at a meeting, a Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA) is signed, and a copy of the Parental Rights for Gifted Students is provided.
Process following identification
If your child is identified as gifted, a gifted individualized education plan (GIEP) is written which describes the education to be provided. The plan reflects the assessment and performance data collected during the screening by the school psychologist. A GIEP team of individuals will meet annually to review your child’s educational placement and current needs to enable the provision of appropriate specially designed instruction.
Please direct questions to:
Mrs. Amie Lumadue
Director of Special Education
814-533-5670