Students, grades kindergarten through twelve, in the Savannah Chatham County School System who demonstrate a high degree of intellectual, academic, and/or creative ability are provided with special instructional services by the Program for Gifted Students. Eligibility criteria for placement in this program are determined by the State Board of Education. Referrals for consideration for eligibility for gifted services may be made by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, and other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities.
Gifted Education Program Philosophy
The philosophy of the Savannah Chatham County Public School System gifted department is to meet the instructional needs of gifted learners based on each student’s unique abilities.
Modifications must be made in content, process, product, and pacing of curriculum. The gifted program emphasizes the gifted student’s need for interaction with intellectual peers and for an educational experience that includes a high level of depth and rigor compared to students in the general population.
Collaboration is encouraged between the teacher, parents, and student to adapt resources and instructional methods that will allow for specialized educational experiences which will promote the development and expression of the gifted student reaching their highest potential.
The SCCPSS gifted department offers nomination, testing, and services to students from all walks of life.
Gifted Education Student
A gifted student demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability (ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities. (SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.38, p. 1) Gifted students may be found within any race, ethnicity, gender, economic class, or nationality. In addition, some students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or behavioral problems may be found to be gifted. The flexibility of Georgia’s multiple-criteria rule will be used to promote equity in identification of gifted students from all groups.
Gifted education services are offered at each elementary, middle and high school in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System.
How is the Gifted Program Monitored?
The SCCPSS gifted programs are evaluated yearly by district and site personnel. Both formative and summative evaluations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the following issues by subgroups which shall include grade level, gender and ethnic groups of the students:
- Identification process, to include referrals, nominations, assessment and eligibility determination
- Delivery models/site schedules
- Curriculum effectiveness based on documented student strengths
- Demographic proportionality of tested and identified gifted students
- Professional development
- Communication with parents and the community
GADOE requires a self assessment completed by districts every three years.
If you need more information, please contact your school's gifted lead person or
Joy Key-Smith, District Teacher Specialist, at (912) 395-1112.
