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American Academy

Gifted and Talented Program

UPDATE: 10/6/2022

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

American Academy is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 6th grade  (November).

 

6th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in Sixth Grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 7, 2022.  This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates.  These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.  

 

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process. 

 

Gifted Identification Referral Testing 

  • If your child is in grades 3, 4, 5 and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.  
  • NOTE:  Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 
  • Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE: American Academy Gifted Referral Form
  • Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
The Gifted and Talented mission at American Academy is to promote intellectual, social and emotional growth in the gifted and twice exceptional student population through encouraging student-lead advocacy, providing active support and purposeful education programming and opportunities.

Gifted Program Vision

To develop an exemplary gifted education program that is comprehensive, fluid and adaptable where life-long learning and intellectual pursuits are encouraged, supported and valued.
 
American Academy's Gifted and Talented Coordinator is Karen Billings ([email protected])

Definition of Giftedness
 
Gifted and talented students are those students between the ages of four and twenty-one whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational programming needs. Gifted students include students with disabilities (i.e. twice exceptional) and students with exceptional abilities or potential from all socio-economic and ethnic, cultural populations. Gifted students are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or a combination of these areas:

• General or Specific Intellectual Ability
• Specific Academic Aptitude
• Creative or Productive Thinking
• Leadership Abilities
• Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Musical or Psychomotor Abilities


Gifted Program Goals

  1. To build a cohesive peer support group for learning and socialization.

  2. To equip and support faculty in their efforts to appropriately differentiate curriculum and instruction for gifted and twice exceptional students.

  3. To build a support system for the unique emotional needs of gifted and twice exceptional students.

  4. To challenge students in their area of talent on a regular basis.

  5. To create partnerships with the wider public that enhance both community life and student-centered objectives.

  6. To educate the school community about the gifted in order to remove barriers and to promote understanding.
 

Gifted and Talented Resources

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Whether your student is learning in-person or learning from home, gifted programming will continue and teachers will use Advanced Learning Plans to inform their instruction. We will be following cohort restrictions and taking into account all guidelines for maintaining the integrity of student cohorts and student and staff safety.