Gifted Education Process

The Alabama Administrative Code defines gifted as: “Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment.  Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.”

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents/guardians, peers, self, or any other individual with knowledge of a student’s abilities may refer the student.  Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.

Parental consent is required prior to proceeding with screening and/or evaluation.  Once consent is received, a screening team reviews the available information in the areas of intelligence or creativity, gifted characteristics, and performance.  The team determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with an evaluation.

The state of Alabama uses a matrix to determine eligibility for gifted services.  Students who achieve the minimum required score on the matrix are considered eligible for gifted services.  A Gifted Education Plan (GEP) is developed for these students. Written parental permission is required before services begin.

Please contact 256-234-8600 with any questions or to make a gifted referral.