Resources for Parents and Students

Gifted Student - a student who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability, exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities. (SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.38, p. 1)

The eligibility criteria for gifted program placement are also provided in SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.38. The Rule describes the four categories for assessment (mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation) and the performance standards that must be achieved in each for a student to become eligible for gifted education services. Once a student has been assessed in all four data categories, there are two ways eligibility can be established:

• The student may qualify on the basis of mental ability and achievement assessment results only (regardless of the assessment results in creativity and motivation). In this case, the mental ability test score must be a composite or full-scale score. The composite score must be at the 99th percentile for students in grades K-2. The composite score must be at the 96th percentile or higher for students in grades 3-12. In addition, students (grades K-12) must meet at least one of the achievement standards described in the SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.38: 90th percentile Total Reading, 90th percentile Total Math, 90th percentile total achievement test battery, or superior product/performance assessment. No student may qualify on the basis of a mental ability test score alone.
• The student may qualify by meeting the standards in any three of the four data categories, at least one of which must be on a nationally-normed standardized test. Component scores (e.g., Verbal Ability), as well as full scale and composite scores,  may be used in the area of mental ability. However, component scores must meet the criteria specified in the Gifted Education Regulations. Currently, only component scores on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and subtests on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC IV) meet these specifications.

 *Testing includes vision and hearing screenings

There is no mandated reciprocity between states; however, the school system should immediately take steps to see that the advanced learning needs of a student transferring to their system are being met while the Georgia gifted eligibility is being determined. The following documents should be presented to the student’s new school: a current eligibility report, recent standardized test scores, work samples, and recommendations from teachers.

During the 2009 session, the Georgia General Assembly enacted several laws relating to the education of children of military families that impact the gifted education reciprocity of students whose households include a member of the United States uniform services. The goal of the legislation is to maximize a student’s educational continuity despite the frequent movement across states and school districts. These laws are codified at O.C.G.A. 20-2-2140 through 20_2-2180. Eligible students are school-aged children whose household includes at least one of the following:

• An active duty member of the uniformed services.
• A member or veteran of the uniformed services who is severely injured and medically discharged.
• A member of the uniformed services that died on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on active duty.

Nothing in this Code section shall preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.

Once official documentation has been received, the gifted teacher will contact the parent/guardian(s) to arrange a meeting. At this meeting, placement paperwork will be completed and a differentiated curriculum will be determined.  A differentiated curriculum is defined as courses of study in which the content, teaching strategies, and expectations of student mastery have been adjusted to be appropriate for gifted students. In the delivery models described below, the instruction must be based on the Georgia curriculum standards.

SAT/ACT Prep

SAT Practice

FREE Customizable ACT/SAT Learning Path

Resources for Grades K-2

Authoritative Periodicals and Scholarly Journals

Britannica Elementary

Britannica Middle

Britannica High

Math is Fun!

Open Education Database

 

Parents, educators, and the broader community have a responsibility to support all children as they reach for their personal best. It is essential to support the growth and development of the whole gifted child including their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical domains.

Parents & Caregivers

That support begins at home. Parents and caregivers are usually the first to identify a child’s extraordinary gifts and talents. Parents recognize above norm abilities, interests, and passions that are different in other children they see. Being gifted often comes with challenges like asynchronous development or social and emotional challenges.

Parents can engage with their children to provide rich stimulation and learning experiences and discover ways to partner with schools and resources in the broader community to nurture their child’s specialized learning needs.