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Overview of Services for Students Identified as Gifted Learners
“An effective approach to programming for gifted learners should be seen as a combination of three elements: accelerative approaches, in which instruction is matched to the competence level of students; enrichment approaches, in which opportunities for the investigation of supplementary materials are given; and individualization, in which instruction is matched specifically to the learner’s achievement, abilities, and interests.” (Feldhusen, 1998)Types of Services for All Gifted Learners
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Gifted Services
Gifted Programming’s purpose is to set high expectations and achievement for students who are gifted learners. The strengths of the students guide the type of differentiated, rigorous, and relevant instruction.
A student is eligible for gifted service as defined by the Florida state rule, Rule 6A-6.03019, FAC, Special Instructional Programs for Students Who Are Gifted. It defines a gifted student as “one who has superior intellectual development and is capable of high performance.”
Gifted services offer meaningful content, higher-level thinking, and advanced skills to foster the academic achievement of gifted learners. Gifted Programming is provided as stipulated in the student’s Educational Plan and is available in all schools across the district.
· All CCPS schools offer gifted services.
Academic Competitions
Academic competitions help students expand their creative and critical thinking skills. Students develop lifelong abilities such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and presenting to audiences. Some of the competitions include Odyssey of the Mind, Middle School Debate, Middle and High School Scholar Bowl, Middle and High School Academic World Quest, Mu Alpha Theta, Spelling Bee, STEM competitions, All-State Concerts, Superintendent’s Art Gallery, Band and Ensemble Performance Assessments, Regional Science Fair, Mock Trial, and Model United Nations.
· All traditional CCPS schools participate in academic competitions.
Type of Services for Elementary Gifted Learners
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Elementary Gifted Cluster Groups
Elementary Gifted Cluster Groups contain clusters of students identified as gifted placed into a classroom with high-achieving students or an otherwise heterogeneous general classroom. The teacher has or is actively working toward a gifted endorsement (300-hours of Master’s level classes on the nature and needs of gifted students). Modifications and/or differentiation are provided for the needs of the gifted students.
· All traditional CCPS elementary schools have gifted cluster groups.
Type of Services for
Middle School Gifted Learners
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Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Secondary 1 is an advanced studies program for middle school students that builds skills, knowledge, and understanding in English, Mathematics, and Science. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the most advanced learner with an emphasis on creativity, innovation, and scholarly discourse. Throughout the Cambridge Secondary 1 experience, students develop the skills and content knowledge necessary to meet the demands of advanced course work and ultimately transition successfully to the high school setting. Students in the Cambridge Secondary 1 cohort will have the opportunity to earn credit in high school courses, which will affect their high school grade point average (GPA) and establish the good study habits necessary to be successful.
· All traditional CCPS middle schools have Cambridge Secondary 1 classes.
Middle School Advanced Courses
Middle School Advanced Courses provide extensions and/or enrichment from the regular school curriculum. Most courses include high school standards. Students are challenged to think critically as they are accelerated through the curriculum. The Middle School Advanced Courses that are offered include math (6-8), science (6-8), language arts (6-8), and social studies (6-8). Certain high school classes may also be offered in the middle school setting.
Type of Services for
High School Gifted Learners
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Advanced Placement (AP)
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of college-level classes that is backed by College Board. The classes include the skills, assignments, and breadth of information that is covered in corresponding college courses. The standards and expectations of these classes align with leading liberal arts and research institutions. AP courses provide students with the opportunity to study and learn at the college level. College credit may possibly be gained by passing a College Board AP Exam. AP classes are weighted.
· Most CCPS high schools offer AP classes.
Cambridge AICE
Cambridge AICE is an international pre-university curriculum that prepares learners for post-secondary education. The classes help students develop a deep understanding of subjects. The skills stressed include evaluating information sources, thinking logically, communicating effectively, and applying knowledge to new situations. AICE classes are weighted.
· Most CCPS high schools offer AICE classes.
Dual Enrollment (D.E.)
Dual Enrollment (D.E.) is an acceleration program that allows students to take post-secondary coursework while also earning credit toward high school completion or industry certification, and an associate or baccalaureate degree. Courses may be offered on the high school campus or at the college campus. D.E. courses are weighted.
· Most CCPS high schools offer D.E. opportunities.
Honors Courses
Honors courses cover the same curriculum as regular classes but are tailored for high-achieving students. They cover additional topics or some topics at a greater depth. Honors classes are weighted.
· Most CCPS high schools offer Honor courses.