“Gifted and talented student” is included as a category of exceptional children (KRS 157.200) requiring accommodation in the Kentucky Education Reform Act.  According to 704 KAR 3:285, the administrative regulation for gifted education, gifted and talented students include those who are identified as possessing demonstrated or potential ability to perform at an exceptionally high level in general intellectual aptitude, specific academic aptitude, creative, or divergent thinking, psychosocial or leadership skills, or in the visual or performing arts.

The Henderson County Gifted and Talented Education Program is completing its 29th year of services to identified gifted students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.  We identify and provide services for students in five areas of giftedness:

• general intellectual

• specific academic

• creativity

• leadership

• visual and performing arts

The gifted and talented process requires informal/formal documentation and standardized assessments as appropriate.
Primary Talent Pool
Students in grades K-3 are informally identified for the Primary Talent Pool.   The Primary Talent Pool is a group of students who possess demonstrated or potential ability to perform at exceptionally high levels in the primary years (kindergarten through third grade).  Any primary child who functions at a consistently exceptional level in general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, creativity, leadership or visual and performing arts may be placed in the Primary Talent Pool based upon two or more informal measures and one formal measure in each area nominated.  Formal identification measures, however, may not be used to deny services or to eliminate a student from the Primary Talent Pool.   Selection for the primary talent pool permits classroom teachers of these students to collaborate with the gifted consulting teacher and to provide these students with additional challenges to help them develop their potential.
It’s important to remember that selection into the Primary Talent Pool does not mean that your child will qualify for the Gifted and Talented Program.  That formal identification process does not occur until the end of the primary grades.
(Grades 4-12)
The formal identification of gifted/talented students begins at Grade 4.

1. General Intellectual Ability
   Requires at least two pieces of supporting data in addition to either a score of 96-99 on a nationally-normed test of intellectual ability, or a cognitive skills indicator score of 128 or above.

2. Specific Academic Aptitude
   Requires at least two pieces of supporting data in addition to a score of 96-99 on a nationally-normed test in a specific academic subject.

3. Creativity
   Requires at least three pieces of supporting data from the classroom teacher, student, and/or parent.

4. Leadership
   Requires at least three pieces of supporting data from the classroom teacher, student, and/or parent.

5. Visual/Performing Arts
   Visual Arts Portfolio: Requires at least three pieces of original student art work that demonstrates strong artistic ability. Performing Arts: Student audition must demonstrate excellence in the performance area.

Students gifted in the area(s) of General Intellect, Reading, Math, Science are placed in Gifted Strand Classrooms where gifted students are grouped in clusters of 8-12 students along with other students of varying abilities.  The purpose of the cluster grouping is to enable the classroom teacher and gifted/talented specialist to collaborate to provide appropriate instruction to these students as well as ensuring that gifted students spend learning time together on a daily basis.
Examples of the district's Gifted Strand Model for Grades 1-5

• 1st Grade

• 2nd Grade

• 3rd Grade

• 4th Grade

• 5th Grade

Students identified in the general intellectual area or specific academic aptitude area are placed in an accelerated classroom based on their area of identification.

Honors: If a child qualifies in the general intellectual area or specific academic aptitude area they will be placed in honors classes.
AP Course: G/T students who have met the pre-requisites may enroll in AP courses, which are required to take the AP exam.
Dual Credit Course:Henderson County High School offers many courses in which g/t students may qualify for dual credit-obtaining high school and college credit at the same time. While students obtain high school credit upon passing the course, college credit is based on college requirements. The pre-requisites for obtaining college credit are set by the college awarding the credit.

Parents and/or students (Grades K-12) may petition for identification or may appeal non-identification or appropriateness of services.  

1. The appealing party shall submit in writing to the Gifted and Talented Coordinator specifically why he/she believes that screening results are not accurate or talent pool services or service options in the gifted and talented student services plan are not appropriate and why an exception should be made or reconsideration given.

2. The Gifted and Talented Coordinator shall compile student date and present that along with the petition or appeal to the GT Committee.  The information presented shall include a recommendation accompanied by available substantiating evidence.

3. The Committee shall hear appeals, make a recommendation, and respond in writing to the appealing party within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal and accompanying information.  If the appeal concerns the non-availability of appropriate service options, the Committee shall consult with the school council.

4. If the Committee rules in favor of the grievant, the following option shall apply as appropriate:
   a. He/She may participate in the program as soon as the parent or guardian signs the required permission form.
   b. A change in either the gifted and talented services plan or provision of services shall be made in a timely manner. 

5. If the Committee rules against the grievant, a further written appeal may be made to the superintendent, who must respond in writing within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal.

6. Should the Superintendent uphold the decision of the Selection/Placement committee, the appealing party may petition the Board, which will have the final decision in the case.  The Board shall make a determination at the next regular meeting following receipt of the appeal. 

Gifted & Talented

GT Program Information

G/T Links

Elementary

Middle School - NMS and SMS

Henderson County High School