The Georgia State Board of Education defines a gifted student as “ . . . a student who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, creative and/or artistic ability (ies), possesses exceptional leadership skills, or excels in specific academic fields and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities." The Program for the Gifted is part of the Curriculum and Instruction Department and is funded by the state. The procedures for identifying and placing students in the gifted program are governed by the Georgia State Department of Education. WSCD offers the FOCUS Program in the elementary schools and the advanced content program models in the middle and high schools.
FOCUS Elementary students participate in the gifted program for a minimum of 225 minutes per week (K-3rd grade) and 250 minutes per week (4-5 grades). Students are supported by a certified teacher of the gifted.
Secondary Program Middle and high school gifted students are taught at least one period per day in a content-based program by a certified teacher of the gifted. In the high schools, gifted students may also participate in Advanced Placement, Directed-study courses, dual enrollment and/or Mentorship. The State BOE rule requires a minimum of 250 minutes per week for students in grades 6 through 12.
Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for gifted services, students must qualify in three of the following four areas:
Mental Ability Grades K-2 Minimum of 99 percentile in at least one sub-test area.
Grades 3-12: Minimum of 96% in at least one sub-test area.
Achievement Minimum of 90% on the total reading, total math, or complete composite.
Creativity Minimum of 90% on an assessment for creativity; product or performance.
Motivation Grades K-8 - Minimum of 90% on an assessment for motivation; product or performance Grades 7-12 - 3.5 grade average for two consecutive semesters in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language if applicable.
Additional Information
A qualifying score on a nationally-normed test is required to meet the criteria in at least one area.
Any data used to establish eligibility in one area shall not be used to establish eligibility in another area.
Assessment scores are valid for two years.
Private test data may not be used to determine eligibility. It may be used as a referral for further evaluation.