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Gifted and Talented Services

Referral Process

Intellectually gifted children are those who perform or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment.  These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program.  Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata and in all areas of human endeavor.  Gifted students may be found within any race, ethnicity, gender, economic class, or nationality.  In addition, some students with disabilities may be gifted.  A student may be referred for consideration for gifted services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist provided by the State Department of Education. Parents will be informed when their child is referred. 

For each student referred, information is gathered in the following three areas:

  • Aptitude
  • Characteristics
  • Performance

The scores from the assessments/items used are entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

For more information or a referral contact Bitsy Fendley, Special Education Coordinator at 205-775-1950.

Gifted Education Plan

First page of the PDF file: BlountCountyLEAPlanforGifted1updated2021