The Georgia Department of Education describes a gifted student as “one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities. The abilities manifest in a collection of traits, aptitudes, and behaviors that, when taken together, are indicative of gifted potential.” (Georgia DOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services, p. 23)

According to the Georgia Department of Education “Gifted instruction shall focus on developing cognitive, learning, research and reference, and metacognitive skills at each grade grouping…”. (Georgia DOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services, p. 9). Elementary and middle school students receive gifted services for a minimum of 225 minutes per week and are supported by a certified teacher of the gifted. 

The procedures for identifying and placing students in the gifted program are governed by the Georgia Department of Education as indicated by the SBOE Rule 160-4-2.38. 

 

REFERRALS

Students in 1st through 8th grades are screened for possible gifted assessment each academic year. Screening includes examination of achievement data from Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing, as well as teacher feedback on a Classroom Talent Survey. During the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years, TMS is developing a program to offer additional grade-wide screening in 1st and 2nd grades. This additional screening will utilize data from the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test.

A referral for testing may be made by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents/guardians, peers, self, or others with knowledge of a student’s academic abilities. Parents complete a consent for evaluation form before students participate in assessment.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Per the Georgia Department of Education, students are evaluated in four areas to determine eligibility. Tests are administered by trained professionals and are scored according to national age norms.

Student assessment results are reviewed by an eligibility team. At the completion of testing, parents are notified of their child’s results and invited to schedule an eligibility conference to discuss these results.


RECIPROCITY

A student already participating in a gifted program in another Georgia public school system is eligible for gifted services at The Museum School of Avondale Estates upon receipt of a gifted eligibility report confirming gifted qualification.

 

CONTINUATION POLICY
After initial placement in the gifted program, a student may continue in the program if he / she meets two out of three of the following requirements:

  • The student must meet or exceed standards in all academic areas on a standards-based report card.
  • The student must maintain a qualifying score in reading or math at or above 90th percentile on Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) each spring.
  • The student must demonstrate good standing in the gifted program.

 

PROBATIONARY PLAN

If a student does not meet the requirements for continuation, parents will be notified and the student will be placed on probation for one semester. During the initial probationary period, individual student goals will be identified by classroom and gifted teachers. At the end of the semester, a determination will be made. If the student meets the identified goals, there will be no further probation. If the students does not meet the goals, probation will continue for an additional semester without participation in the gifted program. After two consecutive semesters of probation without success, the student will be removed from the gifted program. In order to reenter the program, the student must participate in the gifted assessment process.

Parents will be notified of their child’s eligibility and sign a continuation policy each school year.