G T Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact your school’s G/T Services Coordinator for more information.

Speaking with your child’s teacher regarding your child’s learning needs ensures that your child is challenged.  You can also follow up with the G/T Services Coordinator.

We encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher(s) or contact your G/T Coordinator for more information.

Due to the flexible services, many students who work with a G/T Services Coordinator do so without ever being formally identified for advanced classes.

Placement into advanced classes occurs in the winter/spring, with placement changes happening the following school year.  All assessments occur during the regular school day. 

All students are considered for placement into advanced math classes in the spring of 3^rd and 5^th grades (for placement the following year) using district assessments.  Students in 4^th grade may be evaluated based on parent or teacher referral.

All students are considered for placement into advanced language arts classes in the spring of 5^th grade (for placement the following year).  Students in 6^th and 7^th grade may be evaluated based on parent or teacher referral. 

The identification process is designed to create a well-rounded understanding of each child as a learner.  A student’s proficiency with math or language arts concepts, reasoning and critical thinking abilities, and classroom performance are considered to determine which courses will best meet a student’s learning needs.

District 28 does not have a gifted “program.”  Instead we provide a continuum of flexible services that vary based on students’ needs.  These services range from the G/T Coordinator collaborating with teachers to extend curriculum, to joining classroom instruction and assisting with students, to working one-on-one with a student, and other flexible services to meet student needs.  

Among these services are Advanced Math (4th-5th), accelerated math courses (6th-8th) and Advanced Language Arts (6th-8th) classes.  These replacement classes are provided for students who have demonstrated a consistent need for alternative above-grade-level curriculum with advanced critical thinking and problem-solving opportunities.

Gifted/talented (G/T) services allow us to meet the specific needs of intellectually gifted and highly academically talented students who require differentiated services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program. The G/T Coordinator works with teachers and students in all grades and subject areas.