Identification Process at Henley Middle School
The concept of “gifted” education is more or less being phased out in Albemarle County in order to make room for a more inclusive model that meets kids where they are and allows them to grow and learn. We are shifting away from an exclusive model where only a select group of students is recognized for their gifts and talents and served in a universal way. I am sure that you are envisioning the gifted program of yesterday where a small group of students was labelled gifted and they were allowed to participate in unique set of lessons with the gifted teacher. These students had to be gifted in multiple areas and were served on a very limited basis during only certain parts of the day. Research has shown that these types of programs do not benefit students. For example, some students are gifted in math but not reading and could be rejected from the program for this reason, allowing their math gifts to go untended. In the traditional gifted program, these students were not identified and not served. Additionally, traditional gifted programs only happen at certain times during a week. Does this mean that a student is only gifted from 2-3 on Wednesdays?
The model that Albemarle County is embracing recognizes that each of our students has unique gifts and talents and that they are all in their own unique place on the academic spectrum. We have all participated in extensive training to differentiate in order to meet the needs of each of our students through their entire learning day. Teachers are constantly pre-assessing and reassessing where students are in order to adapt and change the curriculum to meet their needs. My job is to support those teachers in this effort.
However, the state of Virginia is not completely on board yet. Change at the state level happens slowly so we are still required to identify students as gifted. The label “gifted” does not impact a student’s instruction or services in any way. It is simply a paper in their file that does not have any impact on their education at Henley or in high school. It does not give them exclusive access any curriculum, activities or programs at Henley or in high school.
If you would like to pursue gifted identification, please contact me at [email protected]
The model that Albemarle County is embracing recognizes that each of our students has unique gifts and talents and that they are all in their own unique place on the academic spectrum. We have all participated in extensive training to differentiate in order to meet the needs of each of our students through their entire learning day. Teachers are constantly pre-assessing and reassessing where students are in order to adapt and change the curriculum to meet their needs. My job is to support those teachers in this effort.
However, the state of Virginia is not completely on board yet. Change at the state level happens slowly so we are still required to identify students as gifted. The label “gifted” does not impact a student’s instruction or services in any way. It is simply a paper in their file that does not have any impact on their education at Henley or in high school. It does not give them exclusive access any curriculum, activities or programs at Henley or in high school.
If you would like to pursue gifted identification, please contact me at [email protected]
Contact Ms Schultz at [email protected] for more information