Policy Statement
Georgia Enrichment Program

Georgia Elementary and Middle School 
Georgia, Vermont

Georgia Elementary & Middle School

Gifted and Talented/Enrichment Education

Georgia School Enrichment Policy

Adopted: May 2, 2000

Purpose:  The purpose of the Georgia Enrichment Program is to provide meaningful educational opportunities for gifted and talented children while maintaining enrichment opportunities for all students.  These opportunities must be kept within the resources allocated.  This policy will be reviewed annually by the administration and enrichment personnel and they will report their findings to the board.

Philosophy:  We believe the way to achieve our purpose is through a strong understanding of the nature and needs of gifted children coupled with a commitment to provide as many enrichment opportunities as possible for all students.

We recognize that all children have gifts, yet all children do not fall into the category termed "gifted and talented". (see supporting document, Gifted and Talented/Enrichment Education at Georgia Elementary and Middle School, page 2. ---  Available from enrichment office.)  In addition we acknowledge that giftedness has a dynamic nature, "Gifted behaviors occur in certain people, at certain times under certain circumstances." (Renzulli, 1978)  The goal of identification is to include, not exclude, students.  We want to avoid labeling children, yet maintain consistent delivery of services to students in need of gifted programming.

Collaboration between parents, children, classroom teachers, and enrichment personnel is an important aspect of identification and delivery of services.  We believe that enrichment services must be flexible and designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles.  Enrichment classes strive to create respectful learning environments that nurture creativity and individual achievement.

Enrichment programming is an important component of our school's continued efforts to meet our responsibility to help all students succeed.   Most importantly, the hallmark of enrichment programming is to build on student's strengths.

Framework For Gifted and Talented/Enrichment Education Services:  The Enrichment Program is available to all students.  Some students may be identified as "gifted and talented".  To begin this process, a referral may be initiated by parents, students or school personnel by approaching the enrichment staff and/or through the Educational Support System to start a dialogue.  The goal of the dialogue is to use one or more of the definitions listed in the appendix to clarify and identify areas where the student is gifted or talented.   Once there is clarity around the needs of the student, an individualized program will be crafted on an as-needed basis by the student, parents/guardian(s), and school personnel.  Services will be determined and delivered based on a plan approved by all the people involved.  Program services will vary from year to year depending on student needs and resources.  Services range from individual tutoring to multi-grade level presentations.

Professional Development:  All school personnel need to have a variety of professional development opportunities to acquire an understanding of the characteristics and the definitions of gifted and talented students.   Furthermore, teachers need to be able to explore ways to differentiate curriculum, instruction, and assessment for all students.  Enrichment programs need to be perceived as a valid need for a student's program - a necessary educational component, not a privilege.  Ongoing communication and cooperation between the enrichment staff and other staff members needs to be encouraged, supported and ingrained in the school culture.

Identification: A variety of strategies are used to determine who should be involved in various enrichment offerings.  A combination of indicators is listed in the appendix of the supporting document, Gifted and Talented/Enrichment Education at Georgia Elementary and Middle School.

Summary: The purpose of this policy is to support the continued growth of Gifted and Talented and Enrichment Education in Georgia School.  More detailed information to implement this policy is outlined in the supporting document, Gifted and Talented/Enrichment Education at Georgia Elementary and Middle School.  This document is available in the enrichment office.