Gifted programming is operated by the school district and focuses on enrichment and acceleration activities that supplement the regular education program. Instructional services are provided through direct instruction, consultation and classroom enrichment. Services are provided at the elementary and secondary levels and in all school buildings in the district.
Each child is unique and has his or her own individual areas of strength and talent, therefore, it is difficult to create an exhaustive list of characteristics displayed by all mentally gifted students. Some general characteristics of mentally gifted students can include very superior levels of intellectual ability and academic achievement, creativity, leadership skills, and / or intense academic interest. Students who are mentally gifted demonstrate very superior intellectual abilities as evidenced by an I.Q. score of 130 or above (98th percentile or above). In addition, they typically demonstrate very high levels of academic achievement in one or more areas as evidenced by standardized test scores.
The Hollidaysburg Area School District has a variety of procedures and assessments in place to screen for students who may be Mentally Gifted. Parents and teachers may refer students for gifted screenings. The district’s Guidance Counselors have been trained to administer a standardized ability screening assessment. In addition, curriculum based-assessment and a review of a student’s records, including standardized test scores, are other screening measures utilized by the district.
A student may be referred for a Multi-Disciplinary Gifted Evaluation through several avenues. First, students who demonstrate very superior abilities and levels of achievement based upon the district’s screening procedures may be referred for an evaluation by the school district to determine if he or she meet eligibility requirements for Gifted Education. Second, parents who believe their child may be in need of Gifted Education can request an evaluation. Parents may contact their child’s Guidance Counselor with any questions about gifted screenings or to request an evaluation.
