Gifted and Talented

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) identifies gifted individuals as those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10%) in one or more domains.  Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensory motor skills (e.g., painting, dance, sports).

The National Association for Gifted Children estimates there are approximately 3 million academically gifted children in the United States - approximately 6% of the student population.  A gifted student has one or more of the following identified characteristics:  exceptional ability, creativity, task commitment.

Haslett Public Schools is committed to providing information to parents about GT opportunities.  Contact your child's building principal, counselor or teacher for information.

Gifted education is a continuum of services which provide adminstrators, teachers, parents and students with a menu of educational options that are respectful of individual student differences and mindful of school and community resources.  The range of services can be offered as acceleration or enrichment.

Acceleration is the practice of giving students material and assignments that are available for students who are older or in higher grades.  It involves the use of existing school curriculum.  It also implies that academically advanced students will progress faster through the school system. Acceleration can be achieved in the following ways:

• Grade skipping
• Curriculum compacting
• Subject acceleration
• Advanced Placement classes
• Testing out or dual enrollment
• Early college admission

Enrichment is the practice of enhancing the educational program of children who learn more quickly by offering materials or activities that expand the breadth or depth of content being studied in the classroom.  These materials support interest and stimulate the mind of the student. Enrichment can be achieved in the following ways: 

• Specialized learning activities
• Co-curricular options
• Independent study
• Project learning
• Mentoring
• Flexible grouping