Mesa Public Schools

Gifted and Talented Program

  • 549 North Stapley Drive – Building 2
  • Mesa, Arizona 85203-7203
  • Phone (480) 472-7248

Elementary Gifted Program


Kindergarten - 2nd Grade:

K-2 services are provided by the classroom teacher within the regular classroom setting.  Identified K-2 students attaining a 97th percentile or above in the verbal, quantitative or nonverbal portion of the Cognitive Abilities Test will have an Educational Service Plan (ESP) written for them.  This plan will document differentiated services and strategies to be used with that student to address his/her identified area(s) of need. The plan will be developed by the regular classroom teacher with assistance from district personnel.  Resources and ongoing district support will also be provided to the classroom teacher as needed. 

 

3rd - 6th Grade:

Two types of services are provided for identified students in 3rd – 6th grade. These include a classroom academic component and a pull-out thinking skills component.*  Students scoring at the 97th percentile or above in the verbal, quantitative, or nonverbal portion of the Cognitive Abilities Test will receive services within the classroom as documented on an Educational Service Plan (ESP) in the student’s identified strength area(s).  Classroom teachers will receive support from district personnel in writing and planning the ESP which will be implemented by the classroom teacher.  The goal of this component is to provide opportunities for a student to work within a specific subject area in more depth, more complexity, and at a more advanced level.

 

Students scoring at the 97th percentile or above in at least one area of the Cognitive Abilities Test and scoring at the 90th percentile or above in another area of the same test, will qualify for the pull-out program.  This program meets one full day each week and is located at either  the student’s home school or at a nearby school.  For those attending off-site, the district provides transportation.  These classes are taught by teachers specially trained to work with gifted children.  The pullout program emphasizes thinking and problem solving skills taught through a variety of curricular areas, with the Creative Problem Solving Process as its foundation.  Program goals include the development of critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving strategies, research skills, communication skills, and self-development skills.

 

 

* There are circumstances when an educational team will convene to determine if a course or grade acceleration is the most appropriate plan for the gifted student.