FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Gifted and Talented Program

1. How will Gifted and Talented classes help my child?

2. The pullout program starts in 3rd grade. Do children in Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grade receive any gifted services?

3. Is there a support group?

4. Are there any resources to help me understand and support my gifted child?

5. How do students transition from the elementary gifted program to junior high? What programs are available?

6.How do I go about having my child/student considered for the gifted program?

1.  How will Gifted and Talented classes help my child?

These classes allow students who are academically and intellectually gifted to improve their higher-level thinking skills. In these classes, emphasis is placed on critical and creative problem-solving, independent research, and self-development. Students learn to apply these higher-level thinking skills across disciplines and integrate ideas across different subject areas.

2.  Do children in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade receive any gifted services?

Identified gifted Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd students receive services within the regular classroom through an Educational Service Plan (ESP).  Click on the "Elementary" tab above for more information.

3.  Is there a support group?

Yes. The Mesa Supporters for Gifted and Talented (MSGT) is a local parent support group. This group schedules speakers and coordinates events that help parents understand the needs of their gifted children. Click on the "Resources" tab above for more information.

4.  Are there any resources to help me understand and support my gifted child?

The Gifted and Talented teacher for your school has resources to share about gifted children. Also, there are books and links on this website and many others that provide helpful information. Click on the "Resources" tab above.

5.  How do students transition from the elementary gifted program to the junior high? What programs are available?

Identified gifted and talented students at the junior high receive services through dual placement in English and Social Studies Honors classes and/or dual placement in Math and Science Honors classes, based on their identified strength area(s).  For more information, click on the "Junior High" tab.

6. How do I go about having my child/student considered for the gifted program?

Screening and testing take place three times a year.  Click on the "Elementary" tab for more information about this process.