Our mission at the Benton-Carroll-Salem Local School District is to recognize students who possess exceptional talents and abilities. We will create a respectful environment that will continually be challenging and fosters world class learners.
Identified students who perform at or above the ninety-fifth percentile at the national level on an approved individual or group standardized test are afforded a differentiated curricular approach, subject acceleration, advanced/honors classes, and post-secondary options. The instruction will provide 21st century learning opportunities, which will help maximize the learning potential of the talented and gifted students.
What is a Gifted Student?
According to the Ohio Department of Education, "Gifted" means students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience or environment and who are identified under division (A), (B), (C), or (D) of section 3324.03 of the Revised Code. A gifted and talented student is one who shows or has the potential for showing an exceptional level of performance in one or more areas of expression.
The Purpose of the Gifted Program
* To identify the specific talents and abilities of gifted students and nourish those abilities through placing students in appropriate setting.
* To provide an appropriate education based upon the specific abilities of each student.
* To challenge gifted students by providing educational programming that meets their academic and intellectual needs.
Gifted Services Options 2016-2017
K-3 Gifted students will be served through whole grade enrichment with a focus on developing thinking skills of all learners. Differentiated instructional strategies will also be incorporate into the regular classroom setting on a routine basis in order to meet the needs of all students.
3rd-5th Grade Pullout service for qualifying gifted students: Student who have a superior cognitive gifted identification will participate in this class facilitated by the Gifted Intervention Specialist (GIS). Students will meet twice a week (3rd grade), three times a week (4th grade) and daily (5th grade) with their cognitively gifted peers to further develop their lifelong learning skills, with an emphasis on critical/creative thinking, and social-emotional growth. These students will also be cluster grouped within their regular classroom setting to support their needs. Placement into this gifted service is based upon the Ohio Department of Education approved ability assessment.
6th and 7th Grade Gifted Services: At the middle school advanced classes are offered for qualifying students in the core subjects of ELA and Math. There is also a set time for these students to meet daily with the GIS instructor for an enrichment class. Click here for student placement information.
8th Grade (Algebra I and Honors English) An accelerated math program is offered to qualifying students, as well as honors/advanced ELA.
High School 9th-12th Grades: Honors, Advanced Placement, and College Credit Plus is offered at the Oak Harbor High School.
*Whole Grade Acceleration: This is an option for a qualified student to move ahead one entire grade level. The student must be exceptional and show appropriate social maturity to move ahead one grade level. The Benton-Carroll-Salem Local School District follows guidelines through the Ohio Department of Education with the use of the Iowa Acceleration Scale for evaluation of a student who is referred for acceleration.
*Early Entrance to KG is an option of allowing qualified students the opportunity to enter kindergarten earlier than their age equivalent peers. Mr. Jim Boss, the Director of Student Services, along with a team consisting of the school psychologist, building principal, and parents will make the decision.
Gifted and Talented Program Personnel & Roles 2016-2017
Responsible for the overall design and delivery of gifted and talented instructional opportunities to students, including communication with parent/guardian and collaboration with others to strengthen the capacity of the program; collaborative with the superintendent regarding curriculum improvement and professional development initiatives to improve outcomes for students Organizes meetings with parents of newly identified students, as well as writes WEP or WAP in consultation with others (such as the guidance counselors at the high school); responsible for making sure that newly identified into students are entered properly EMIS, and to ensure that all gifted services codes are appropriately documented in EMIS.
Responsible for overall administration of the program, and for developing the capacity of the program to serve the needs of gifted and talented students.
Dawn Bryant, Laramie Spurlock, Cheryl Schell-Building Principals
Building principals are responsible for ensuring the WEP and WAPs are administered with fidelity and that the needs of students who are identified as gifted and talented are met to the extent practicable. Principals assist the Director of Student Services in the supervision and administration of the program. The Middle School Principal, Mr. Spurlock, will be responsible for completing the evaluation of the Gifted & Talented Teacher, Mrs. Giezie, in consultation with other administrations.
Is to perform testing for gifted identification, make communications with parent/guardian concerning testing.
Completes Gifted & Talented data entry as directed.
Ultimately responsible and accountable for the performance of the program and will monitor progress, and provide guidance and assistance.
Ultimately responsible for EMIS submissions.
All: Will work toward the goal of the program to increase the academic achievement of gifted & talented students as measured by metrics on the District Report Card.
Information and Forms: