K-12 Gifted Services SJCSD

Students who are gifted have learning needs that go beyond what is traditionally offered in the regular classroom.  The nature of their abilities, demonstrated or latent, requires differentiated learning experiences and opportunities for them to maximize their potential.

Support services will be provided so that gifted students, in a variety of fields and disciplines, will be able to: (1) Critically examine the complexity of knowledge:  the location, definition, and organization. (2) Create, adapt, and assess multifaceted questions. (3) Conduct thoughtful research/exploration. (4) Think creatively and critically to identify and solve real-world problems. (5) Assume leadership and participatory roles in both gifted and heterogeneous group learning situations. (6) Develop and deliver a variety of authentic products/performances that demonstrate understanding. (7) Set and achieve personal, academic, and career goals.

(Florida’s Frameworks for K-12 Gifted Learners, FDOE, 2013). Services are provided at each school.

Options Offered at Schools to Meet the Needs of Gifted Students

These may include but are not limited to:

• Consultative Services
• Advanced Academic Programs (Secondary)
• Blended Classes with Differentiation
• Creative Thinking/Enrichment Opportunities
• Social-Emotional Curriculum
• Extracurricular Activities
• Parent Trainings

Program Design includes:

• Student contact with gifted endorsed teachers.
• Seminar, small group, or individual meetings as appropriate.
• Consultative gifted teacher collaboration with other general education and gifted endorsed classroom teachers and guidance counselors to maximize progress toward students’ Educational Plan (EP) goals.
• Consultative gifted teacher collaboration with school personnel to communicate events and other information of interest to gifted students and parents.

Emphasis will be placed on the following skills as individually appropriate:

• Effective Decision Making/Setting Priorities
• Goal Setting/Problem Solving
• Effective Leadership
• Study Skills/Test Taking Strategies
• Time Management/Organizational Skills
• Stress Management
• Procrastination/Perfectionism
• Underachievement
• Self Awareness/Advocacy

Information for St. Johns County School District personnel and parents regarding identification of gifted students can be found on the District website.

Educational Plans (EP)

Educational Plans (EPs) are written for every identified gifted student. Plans describe the goals and services to be provided for the gifted student. Plans are written for three year periods in grades K-8 and four year periods in grades 9-12. Transitional plans are written at the end of elementary school and middle school. Gifted students who also have other exceptionalities will have IEPs which are updated annually.