Gifted and Talented Program

Gifted Program

To the extent possible, with available resources, all gifted and talented students will have the opportunity to participate in appropriate educational programs. Gifted and talented students are students of outstanding abilities, who are capable of high performance and who require differentiated educational programs beyond those normally offered in public schools, to fully achieve their potential. 

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to provide a gifted and talented program which may include:

• Expansion of academic attainments and intellectual skills;
• Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence, and responsibility;
• Development of positive attitudes toward self and others; and
• Development of originality and creativity.

The Superintendent will establish procedures consistent with state guidelines for nominating, assessing, and selecting children of demonstrated achievement, or potential ability in terms of general intellectual ability and academic aptitude.

Screening and Identification System

The Hellgate Elementary Advisory Committee updates the identification process as needed. Currently, the Committee is using the following methods to determine eligibility:

• Achievement tests - grade level screenings are done in 3rd grade and 5th grade
  • Multiple scores of 95% or higher in either of the two Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) categories, Reading and/or Mathematics
• Teacher Referral
• Formal observation from the classroom, assessments, and day-to-day work