Departments

Gifted Education Services

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is gifted education? 

Gifted education in Maryland refers to programs and services provided for students "having outstanding talent and performing, or showing the potential for performing, at remarkably high levels of achievement when compared with other students of a similar age, experience, or environment" (Maryland Annotated Code 8-201).  These students require learning experiences beyond the regular curriculum.

How are students referred for gifted services in Charles County? 

Students are referred for gifted services in a variety of ways.  Parents and teachers may complete a referral form to submit a child's name to the gifted resource teacher, or the gifted resource teacher may include a student in the screening pool based on a high standardized test score.  Each spring a gifted screening committee reviews performance data, test scores, grades, teacher and parent observational checklists and other available information to determine if additional services are needed to meet the child's instructional needs. 

In the fall, students new to Charles County Public Schools are screened for gifted services.  Parents of new students can contact the gifted resource teacher for more information.

Should my child be referred?

Many students demonstrate gifted behaviors to some degree.  It is a matter of the complexity, frequency, and intensity of these behaviors that determines whether students require different instructional services to meet their needs.  Parents who consistently observe gifted behaviors in their children should consider referring them to the gifted resource teacher for screening. 

What are some common characteristics of gifted learners?

Many lists of gifted characteristics are available. A few of these behaviors include:

• learns easily with minimum repetition; shows strong memory
• has intense and sustained interests
• converses about sophisticated topics
• recognizes complex patterns or relationships; makes unique connections
• comes to surprising solutions to problems
• learns letters or numbers early and reads before being formally taught
• uses sophisticated sentence structure and advanced vocabulary in speech and writing
• demonstrates an unusual understanding of difficult math or science concepts

For further information regarding characteristics of gifted learners, see the following chart.  Download chart.

What services are available?

In order to meet the needs and develop the abilities of highly able students, CCPS provides gifted services in reading, language arts and mathematics. Advanced learning opportunities include:

Grades K-2 - Classroom teachers and gifted resource teachers look for students who demonstrate potential or advanced learning capabilities in the classroom. The classroom teacher enriches instruction through differentiated reading and mathematics instruction to address a child's demonstrated learning needs.

Grades 3-5 - Students identified for gifted services are cluster grouped with peers of similar academic needs for reading and math instruction. The use of advanced texts, shared inquiry discussion, advanced vocabulary study and novel study may enrich the traditional reading curriculum. Students work with the classroom teacher daily, and the gifted resource teacher may provide additional support throughout the school year. Students identified for gifted services in math use an accelerated math curriculum with an emphasis on logic and critical thinking.

Grades 6-8 - Middle school students may be placed in a gifted level of language arts/reading and/or an accelerated math course. The sixth, seventh, and eighth grade language arts instruction is based upon complex concepts, accelerated pacing, and advanced content, process and products. Math courses include enrichment math, pre-algebra, Algebra I and Algebra II.  Students receive high school credit for Algebra I and Algebra II.

Grades 9-12 - High school students may select advanced coursework through honors level and Advanced Placement courses in a variety of academic and related arts areas. Available courses are listed in the High School Program of Studies.

Who can take Advanced Placement courses in high school?

Any student who is willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic experience is encouraged to take Advanced Placement courses. 

Who can I contact for more information about gifted education in Charles County?

The gifted education resource teacher at each elementary and middle school can provide further information on gifted education in Charles County. High school guidance counselors can assist with course selection at that level.