Gifted Services

Services for Intellectually Gifted Students

Definition: Intellectually Gifted students are those whose Intellectual abilities and potential for achievement are so outstanding that special provisions are required to meet their needs.

Who is served by Gifted Services? 

• Rutherford County students who meet Tennessee criteria as intellectually gifted receive gifted services according to Individual Education Programs (IEPs).

How are students identified as intellectually gifted? 

• Teachers, parents, school counselors, or others may refer individual students for screening. Rutherford County conducts a grade level screeing of all second grade students.

What are some indications of intellectual giftedness that may result in a student being referred for screening? 

• A history of outstanding achievement as evidenced by grades and other accomplishments
• Achievement test scores above the 90th percentile in multiple areas (especially with some at the 95th percentile or above)
• Advanced vocabulary
• Creative thinking, often with a keen interest in a particular area
• High level of curiosity, persistence in questioning
• Unusual sense of humor
• Good problem-solving ability
• Heightened intensity--emotional, cognitive or physical
• Innovative and/or abstract thinking

What happens after a student is referred for screening? 

The referral process may end with screening, or it may continue through a comprehensive evaluation depending upon individual student needs. After the process is completed, the team will determine whether the student meets criteria as Intellectually Gifted and if the student is eligible for gifted services through Special Education or if the student’s needs can be met in the general education setting.

What constitutes eligibility for gifted services as intellectually gifted? 

• Multiple criteria in the areas of academic performance, gifted characteristics, and cognition are used to determine eligibility.

How frequent is the incidence of intellectual giftedness? 

• Research shows that 3%-5% of children possess exceptional learning traits. Intellectual giftedness crosses all economic and cultural boundaries.

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