Philosophy

    In the field of education it is an accepted philosophy that children should be given the opportunity to find, develop and use their potential.  The gifted and talented children of our society are one of our greatest natural resources, and yet, one of the most neglected elements of our educational system.  It is necessary, for the children and the world to encourage development of this resource.

    In keeping with our Chase County School philosophy, we reaffirm our responsibilty to do everything in our power to develop our students’ maximum potential.  Students who have high-ability potential, or who have demonstrated special high abilities, need qualitatively differentiated programming.  These students are capable of a fuller realization of their potential through development of the higher mental processes and challenging experiences in relationship to their abilities.  It is understood that unique characteristics surround the exceptional individual.  Compatible learning environments and resources must then be provided for the individual to allow for the growth and development of his/her abilities.

Operational Definition of High-Ability Learner

    Learns with high ability shall mean a student who gives evidence of high performance capability in such areas as creativity, leadership, art, athletics, performing arts or in specific academic fields and who requires services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to develop those capabilities fully.

Goals and Objectives

    Chase County Schools recognize the importance of serving the unique needs of all the students who attend school in this system.  This realization serves as a foundation for the establishment of the following goals:

    Goal 1:  Chase County Schools will identify all students who qualify for high-ability learning programs.  In order to serve students effectively, the ability they possess must be recognized.  To this end, our district has established procedures for the identification of students with special abilities  Identification procedures will include multiple assessment measures.  This will be an inclusive rather than exclusive process.

    Goal 2:  Chase County Schools will provide appropriate educational experiences for students who are identified as high-ability learners.  Our school will provide a variety of enhancement activities.  The unique abilities of each high-ability learner will be considered when planning educational experiences.  The needs of these learners may be served through accelerated curriculum, in-class enhancement activities, and pull out enrichment.

    Goal 3:  Chase County Schools will involve parents to better serve the needs of high-ability learners.  Parents will be involved in the identification process.  The unique relationship between parent and child provides a perspective that may assist schools in the identification process.  Parental support for the activities that students are involved in is critical to the overall success of any learning experience.

    Goal 4:  Services to high-ability learners in Chase County Schools will be provided in a nondiscriminatory manner.  In the high-ability learner program an interdisciplinary educational process that promotes the understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity of our pluralistic society will be employed.  Within the total multicultural education process, the high-ability learner program emphasizes the following groups: Asian American, African American, Hispanic American, and native American.  The high-ability learning program shall provide equal opportunity for all participants regardless of race, color, age, national origin, gender, or religion.

    In general, it shall be the goal of Chase County Schools, to provide the best education possible for all students.  Within the constraints our district operates, the special needs of high-ability learners will be addressed with all available resources.

Procedures for Identification of Learners with High Ability

    The district will:

1. *    Use multiple assessments, measures, and appraisals in order to find students in
   

       different talent areas and at different ages.  Procedures shall include multiple criteria

       that are inclusive rather than exclusive, a combination of standardized instruments and

       non-standardized criteria, local needs assessment, and teacher, parent, and student

       recommendations.

*      Include all students in the talent pool.

1. *    Assessment shall accommodate students who develop at different rates and whose interest
   

       may change as they mature.

*     Provide a continuous identification procedure throughout the year.

*     Parents will be notified within the first 30 days of identification.

*     Develop a portfolio for all identified students.

*     Follow other requirements as set by Rule 3.

    Identification Procedures for Academic Abilities

Talent Pool - all students in grades K-3

Students are identified by meeting two of the following requirements:

    ✔  Teacher/Parent recommendation

    ✔  Academic grades

    ✔  Non-standardized-Out of Level Testing

    ✔  Screening assessment for Gifted education (SAGES-2)

    ✔  Standardized Level Testing

Talent Pool - all students in grades 4-8

Students are identified by meeting two of the following requirements:

    ✔  97% or above in one or more core areas on a norm-referenced standardized test.

    ✔  Teacher/Parent Recommendation

    ✔  Academic Grades

    ✔  Non-standardized-Out of Level Testing

    ✔  Screening assessment for Gifted education (SAGES-2)

  

    Identification Procedures for Creative, Artistic, and Performing Arts/Athletics abilities

Talent Pool - all students in grades K-8

Students are identified by meeting two of the following criteria:

    ✔  Teacher/Parent Observation Rating scale 1-10

    ✔  Grades

    ✔  Testing

    Identification for Leadership

Talent Pool - all students in grades K-8

Students are identified by meeting two of the following criteria:

    ✔  Teacher/Parent Nomination Form

    ✔  Matrix

 

    Appeals

    An appeal form will be provided to the applicant.  All appeals will be handled through the principal’s office.

Description of continuation of Programming Services, Options, and Strategies and Affective or Guidance Needs

    Chase County Schools will serve high-ability learners by using some or all of the following services.

   

    ✔  Chase County Schools shall continue to provide curriculum enrichment and/or

    compacting to provide in-depth and mastery of content or courses beyond the regular

    curriculum and to find other studies of interest to the student via the High-Ability Learners

    Program.  Services may include, but not limited to, destination Imagination, Future

    Problem Solvers, art field trips, and science and math activities.  An attempt will be made

    to serve a minimum of 80% of those identified.

    ✔  Students of Chase County Schools my be provided curriculum acceleration through

    the regular curriculum and curriculum enrichment activities may be purchased to provide

    the regular teacher the materials to meet that objective.

    The Chase County Schools Guidance Department in conjunction with the H.A.L. teacher will provide activities that will provide personal, social adjustment, vocational and career awareness.

Evaluation and Future Planning

    The school coordinator and the Educational service Unit ( E.S.U) coordinator shall meet to review student accomplishments in relationship to the goals and objectives and make recommendations of possible activities or changes needed to enhance high-ability learning opportunities.

    These staff members will survey parents, community members, other educators, and students to meet the above.  (See survey at the end of this document.)

    A written report shall be compiled and present on or before May 1 of each year outlining the results of the survey.

    A written report will document the effectiveness of the program to determine any necessary improvement of services for the following year.

    An attempt will be made to serve a minimum of 80% of students identified.

   

    Each student portfolio will be assessed to document the student’s progress.

Staff Development

    Internal and external personnel will be used to deliver staff development sessions in an ongoing effort to provide Chase County Schools’ educators the expertise to provide materials that would be appropriate for the needs of high-ability learners.

    Financial help will be provided to send staff to in-services and conferences to obtain information that can be used for high-ability students.

    In-service for staff will include, but not limited to, improving teaching methods, use of enrichment clusters, Renzulli Triad Model, curriculum compacting, differentiating, and individual learning styles.

Management Plan

    The gifted coordinator from the Educational Service Unit 15 (when available), as well as the principal, will provide consultative services to personnel working directly with the students.

    The district shall employ a staff member whose main assignment is high-ability learning.  He/she shall possess a Nebraska teaching certificate and an endorsement or higher degree in gifted education.

    Funds will be used to provide staff an opportunity to attend conferences and workshops to improve their skills in working with high-ability learners.  The base amount will be given to ESU 15.  The coordinator hired by ESU 15 will be able to provide staff with curriculum and activities to be used locally.

    Funds will be used to provide students the opportunity to attend activities related to their high-ability needs.

● Philosophy

● Operational definition of High-Ability Learner

● Goals and Objectives

● Procedures for identification of Learners with High Ability

● Description of continuation of Programming Services, Options, and Strategies and        

        affective or Guidance needs

● Evaluation and Future Planning

● Staff Development

● Management Plan

Nominate a student using the Leadership Nomination Form   (this will link to a PDF file to print off)