Gifted &Talented program, budget, etc...

The proposed budget leaves the local tax flat this year, it remains to be seen what will be cut, what will be funded and where the cost savings will fall once the Board of Education goes back to vote on and administer this.

There will be program trims and cuts.

For instance, the Gifted and Talented program may begin in 5th, instead of 6th grade. I don't think this is a bad idea, especially if the schools take some of the techniques used in the G&T 4th grade.

And, my two cents on admission.........G&T kids should FIRST be evaluated in intellectual performance, then for the "other" talents. Its my take that athletics, arts and music, though lovely, should be a complimentary, but not primary focus to G&T entrance.

I've been approached by both parents and teachers who complain that the "other" talents are just a way of allowing some influential kids into the program that otherwise wouldn't foot the academic admission requirements. Just passing that along..............

Hi Laura,

I'm not even 100% sure I can agree with having a special G&T program housed in one location, even though my oldest child (now 21!) benefitted from it.

This district seems committed to keeping special needs students in regular classes with appropriate in class and resource room support; it's better for the child, and the district can have fewer special needs classes. Of course, there will always be special, separate classes for those students with significant impediments to learning, whatever they may be.

Should we accommodate students at the other end of the ability spectrum? Yes, of course, but is a special program the way to go? Shouldn't those students be challenged in the regular class, in their neighborhood school, as well?

We have enough students with significant disabilities to justify special classes for them. Those disabilities are generally measurable.

Can we say we have enough students with significant ability/achievement or the potential for achievement to offer a special program in one location? I can't answer that, as I don't recall what standards are used to determine "intellectually gifted" for that program.

Anyway, these ideas have been floating around in my head for quite a few months now, maybe a year. And I'm still sorting out how I feel about it all.

I agree with you that there is a significant difference in what and how its taught in the G&T program and looking at the regular school scores, it would be a benefit all if the local schools to have those techniques used all over the district.