Gifted Program

Definition

A gifted child is defined in Florida as “One who has superior intellectual development, is capable of high performance.”  Gifted students tend to learn things more quickly and easily and to engage in advanced thinking processes (analysis, synthesis, evaluation).  Gifted students also demonstrate unique social and emotional needs which require attention.

Eligibility Criteria

A student is eligible for special programs for the gifted if the student meets the criteria and demonstrates: 

  1. Need for a special program
  2. A majority of gifted characteristics according to a standard scale or checklist

Superior intellectual development as measured by an intelligence quotient of two (2) standard deviations or above the mean on an individually administered standardized test of intelligence.

Service Models

Services for gifted students in grades K through 8 will be provided in a full-time gifted program at the Quest Academy located at Challenger K-8 school.  The gifted center, Quest Academy, will offer students a challenging and supportive environment.  The program will allow gifted students to flourish academically as well as socially which is critical to the development of a gifted child.  The services that will be offered to gifted students in grades kindergarten through grade 8 will be in the form of a differentiated, full-time curriculum based on the state benchmarks.  

In addition to the district adopted textbooks and programs for reading, math, science, and social studies, gifted will include:

  • Scholastic Magazines 
    - K – 2nd grades} Scholastic News and Science Spin 
    - 2nd grade} Scholastic Story Works and Super Stem 
    - 3rd – 5th grades} Scholastic News and Science Spin 

  • Savvas Words Their Way 

  • William and Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop for K – 5th grades 

  • IXL for K – 8th grades 

Dismissal Criteria

A student identified for gifted services is eligible to continue to receive these services through high school graduation as long as the student continues to demonstrate a need for gifted services.  However, lower than expected achievement levels or lack of responsiveness to the gifted instructional programs are not to be considered automatic cause for temporary withdrawal or dismissal from the gifted program. Unless a specific reason arises, students identified as gifted are not generally re-evaluated on a standardized, individual test of intelligence (IQ).

For further information please contact:
Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Phone:  (352)797-7022