Decatur School District

The mission of the Decatur Gifted and Talented program is to recognize and nurture the development of all students with exceptional abilities so that all gifted students are able to demonstrate well-established relationships, positive self-esteem, high-level thinking, and creative productivity, no matter their background, culture, socio-economic status, or race.

Those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services. Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment and/or motivation, and creative ability.

Gifted and Talented Program

Identification Process

The process for identifying students is ongoing and includes:

1. Make available to all staff members; referral paperwork, identification procedures, and GT characteristics.
2. Seek additional referrals through parent letters and the district website
3. Utilized data collected through enrichment, including a portfolio of work/observations, 
4. For all students, examine standardized test list score reports for high-scoring students who may not be referred. Use ATLAS or other available test data.
5. Request Parent permission to test and Behavior/characteristics Check Sheet
6. Request that referring party fill out a personal characteristics appraisal for each student
7. Administer objective and subjective assessments (one assessing creativity). 
8. Score and record the results in the student’s file. 
9. Request Gifted Rating Scales from the teacher(s)
10. Compile all available data for each referred student
11. The Identification Committee, chaired by the GT coordinator, and consisting of two classroom teachers, one building principal, and one counselor will review data and make placement decisions (with signatures).  Placement decisions are based on multiple criteria.  No single criterion or cut-off score is used to include or exclude a student (7.05).
12. Inform parents in writing of the committee’s decision and to request permission to place if applicable

After the decision of the GT Placement committee is made, parents, teachers, and appropriate school personnel are notified of the placement results by letter or email.

Teachers

• If you feel a student could benefit from being a part of the Gifted & Talented program, please use the link below to complete and submit a referral. 

Teacher Referral Form

Parents

If you feel your student would benefit from being tested for the Gifted & Talented program, please contact our GT Coordinator via the information below.

Tina Hockenberry

Gifted & Talented Coordinator

khockenberry@decatursd.com

phone: (479) 321-5780