Gifted Education FAQ's

Gifted Education FAQ

Questions 

Q:  How do I know if my child is "gifted"?

A: There are many characteristics of gifted learners that can help teachers and Gifted Ed facilitators evaluate students. Typically these are students who are academically advanced in one or more areas and have sufficient data (at least 3 points) to describe their cognitive strengths. Please see the DCSD Gifted Education Flowchart  and Body of Evidence Graphic for more information about the process of identification in DCSD.

Q:  If my child qualifies for Gifted Ed, what services are provided at my neighborhood school?

A:  Identified gifted students in neighborhood schools in DCSD receive a variety of services in and out of the classroom. An Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) is written for all identified gifted students and is a CDE-required, individualized document available to all teachers and staff working with the student. This document outlines the student's strengths and interest areas, and identifies goals for the student yearly. 

Identified gifted students are monitored by the Gifted Ed Facilitator and classroom teachers to ensure differentiated instruction is ongoing to meet their unique needs. In addition, students are given opportunities for advancement, enrichment, and/or extension through a variety of optional school-based activities provided during and after the school day. 


Q: My child is doing enrichment work in the classroom but does not have an ALP. Does he/she need one?

A: Possibly. An ALP is for students who are specifically identified as gifted learners, based on CDE/DCSD guidelines. Typically, 2-5% of the population will meet this criteria; However, at SHE we work with many students who do not fully meet the state criteria, but need extra challenges above and beyond the typical grade level curriculum. As a result, our teachers work to meet the individual needs of all learners in a variety of ways. Please see the attached chart to help further distinguish high achievers, gifted learners and creative thinkers.