WELCOME TO GIFTED & TALENTED

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

~Thoreau~

Peabody Elementary believes in and honors learning experiences for all children and ability levels. We provide differentiated instruction both in the regular classroom as well as through pull-out programs for students identified as gifted and talented. At Peabody the GT Facilitator, classroom teachers, and parents collaborate within the school setting to match individual indicators of giftedness with appropriate classroom options. The pull-out programs are taught by the GT Facilitator and are as follows:

Accelerated Math Classes: Grades 2 - 5

High Ability Language Arts: Grades 2 - 5

Primary identification and service: Grades K-5

STUDENT SEARCH/NOMINATION PROCESS

Students search - the GT Facilitator asks for informal review of students.
Students may be nominated by parents, teachers, or themselves. Information is collected on nominated students.

Identification - The following six areas of exceptionality are used in the identification process. Students must positively meet at least three of these indicators:

Student Achievement - indicator of student knowledge.
Student Performance - indicator of a student's demonstrated mastery.
Student Ability - indicator of a student's capacity to learn.
Student Interest - indicator of a student's focus and/or curiosity.
Student Motivation - indicator of a student's commitment to pursue learning experiences.
Observable Student Behaviors - indicator of student's need for differentiation.

Once a student is identified for gifted and talented services, families meet with school staff to discuss options available. A plan is developed to match programming services, options and strategies to the academic needs of the student.

In addition Peabody offers programs suported by GT:

Spelling Club
Math Olympiad
Chess Club

For further information please contact:

Mary Ellen Thurston
GT Facilitator

mthurston@lps.k12.co.us
voice mail: