ENRICHMENT:

What is it?

 

In some areas, an enrichment program is also referred to as a "gifted" program or "gifted and talented education" (GATE).

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Mentally Gifted:    Outstanding intellectual and creative ability the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program. (22 Pa. Code §16.1)

 

IQ 130 or more:  The term "mentally gifted" includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher, when multiple criteria as set forth in Department Guidelines indicate gifted ability.  Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone.  The determination shall include an assessment by a certified school psychologist. (22 Pa. Code §16.21(d))

 

IQ Lower than 130: A person with an IQ score lower than 130 may be admitted to gifted programs when other educational criteria in the profile of the person strongly indicate gifted ability. (22 Pa. Code §16.21 (d))

 

Examples of criteria, other than IQ, which indicate gifted ability include, but are not limited to, the following: 

 

IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL GIFTED STUDENT

Potentially gifted students may be identified by their teacher(s) or their parents.  If a child is thought to be gifted, the teacher or the parent may contact the Special Education Supervisor to make arrangements to have the child screened for admission into the gifted program.  The Special Education Supervisor for West Branch Area School District is Mrs. Fernburg, who can be reached at 345-5615 ext. 3850 or wfernburg@westbranch.org

Each school district shall determine the student's needs through a screening and evaluation process which meets the requirements outlined in 22 Pa. Code §16.21 (c))

 

Screening is a two-step process.  The first step is a systematic "first look" at all students.  This is a basic IQ test administered by the current enrichment teacher.  The second step is a more intense review of potentially gifted students.  This portion of the screening is conducted by the school psychologist. 

A gifted multidisciplinary team (GMDT) will gather information regarding the student's current progress and abilities.  According to 22 Pa. Code §16.22 (d), this team must consist of the following members:

A single member of the GMDT may meet two or more of the qualifications specified above.  Also, the GMDT is not required by Chapter 16 to convene a team meeting.

 

The GMDT must prepare a written report that brings together the information and findings from the evaluation or reevaluation concerning the student's educational needs and strengths.  The report must make recommendations as to whether the student is gifted and in need of specially designed instruction, must indicate the basis for those recommendations, and must indicate the names and positions of the members of the GMDT. (22 Pa. Code §16.22(h))

 

GIFTED INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (GIEP)

Once a student has been identified as being in need of gifted services, a GIEP will be created.  The GIEP is a written plan describing the education to be provided to a gifted student.  The initial GIEP shall be based on and responsive to the results of the evaluation and shall be developed and implemented in accordance with Chapter 16 (22 Pa. Code §16.31(a))

 

The GIEP of each gifted student must be based on the GMDTs evaluation report and recommendations must contain the following:

NORA

After the GIEP has been discussed by the parents, students, and school personnel at the GIEP meeting, a Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA) must be completed at the conclusion of each GIEP review and any time that a significant change has been made to the GIEP (22 Pa. Code §16.61(2))

 

STUDENT RELOCATIONS

If a student moves from one school district in the Commonwealth to another, the new district must implement the existing GIEP to the extend possible or must provide the services and programs specified in an interim GIEP agreed to by the parents until a new GIEP is developed and implemented. (22 Pa. Code §16.31 (b))

 

 

The Gifted Guidelines, prepared to supplement 22 Pa. Code Chapter 16: Special Education for Gifted Students, provide a framework to assist school districts in meeting the requirements of the State Board's regulations to identify mentally gifted students and implement comprehensive programs to meet their needs.  The Gifted Guidelines are an overview of acceptable and best practices, procedures, policies and resources designed to meet the learning needs of gifted students.  The Gifted Guidelines reflect Pennsylvania's continuing commitment to providing educational services appropriate fro mentally gifted students that are consistent with their individual needs, outstanding abilities, and potential for performing at high levels of accomplishment.  The Gifted Guidelines may be downloaded from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Gifted Education web page:  http://www.pde.state.pa.us/gifted_ed.