| Enrichment Program
Enrichment Program in Grades 1-2
The Enrichment Program for grades one and two serves potentially gifted students that are grouped by grade level in a full-time program. These classes allow students to work at or above grade level in academic subjects, and provide enrichment activities beyond the regular curriculum. Newport News Public Schools screen second graders in the Enrichment gifted program for continued placement in an Enrichment Gifted center or placement in one of the full-time Intellectually Gifted centers beginning in third grade. Transportation to the assigned center is provided for all students.
Enrichment Program Screening and Eligibility
Students are recommended for this program by parents, teachers, building administrators, and/or itinerant teachers for the gifted. The itinerant gifted resource teacher screens students referred for enrichment for placement in the gifted services program. Data collected includes:
- teacher recommendation/evaluation of gifted characteristics
- aptitude test
- class performance (most recent grades)
- parent evaluation of gifted characteristics
Enrichment Program in Grades 3 – 8
At elementary and middle school levels, qualified students are grouped together for all core subjects. Teachers are selected to work with high ability classes based on their training in gifted education and their success in working with academically able students. The Enrichment program is for students who need the challenge of a curriculum with higher rigor and expectations. The Enrichment gifted program curriculum is enriched and accelerated to meet the students’ learning needs beyond that of the regular education curriculum through the use of problem-based learning, hands-on lessons, and analytical thinking skill units. The curriculum is enriched with the use of higher level novels and lessons. The qualifications for placement in the Enrichment and Intellectually Gifted program differ. Qualification for the Enrichment program provides entry into the Enrichment program only.
Enrichment Program in Grades 3-8 Screening and Eligibility
Students in third through eighth grades may be recommended for evaluation by teachers, parents, principals or others with related expertise. A screening process is employed to assure that all students in need of gifted services are identified. Students qualifying for the Enrichment program attend one of the Enrichment centers based upon their mailing address. The qualifications for placement in the Enrichment and Intellectually Gifted program differ. Qualification for the Enrichment program provides entry into the Enrichment program only.
In addition to those students specifically recommended for evaluation, all second grade students are screened for possible placement in the Gifted Services program. Students take an aptitude test to determine possible eligibility. These tests are given in the classroom during the regular school day. Students who score above a certain level will continue the screening process and take an achievement test at a later date that is part of the multiple criteria used for eligibility.
The criteria used for eligibility are:
- aptitude test
- achievement tests
- teacher evaluation of student’s gifted characteristics
- parent evaluation of child’s gifted characteristics
- instructional level and performance of the student in the areas of reading, math, science and social studies (most recent grades)
- other data as needed
Parents are notified by letter of the final placement decision. |
