Page 11 - FDLRS Focus 2019

Gifted

(continued from page 10) Endorsement in the form of five 10-week module courses. Each class is worth 60 in-
service points and can also be used for recertification and include the following course titles:

Module 1: Nature and Needs of Gifted Students
Module 2: Theory and Development of Creativity for the Gifted
Module 3: Guidance and Counseling of Gifted Students
Module 4: Education of Special Populations of Gifted Students
Module 5: Curriculum Development for the Gifted

For those starting the Gifted Endorsement coursework, it is advised, but not required, that you take the courses
in order. You must complete Module 1: Nature and Needs of Gifted Students before enrolling and attempting
Modules 2-4. Module 5 can only be attempted once the other four courses have been completed. For those who
have already begun the process, please complete whichever course you have left to complete.

Session 1: September - December (Fall) Enrollment opens August 15th, classes begin September 10th and end
December 3rd.

Session 2: December - March (Winter) Enrollment opens November 7th, classes begin December 10th and end
Feb 24th.

Session 3: March - June (Spring) Enrollment opens February 13th, classes begin March 11th and end June 30th.

Session 4: June - August (Summer) Enrollment opens May 15th, classes begin June 10th and August 19th.

Although the quality of the gifted program is second to none, access to services is sometimes limited.
Nationwide, Hispanic and Black students are less likely to be identified for gifted services and is the same
in the Palm Beach County School District. Providing equal access in an equitable manner for all students,
regardless of demographics, is a primary focus. The program
has been extended into 91 elementary and middle schools.
Early identification of underrepresented populations using
the Gifted placement screening instrument, the CogAT,
has been introduced in 34 Title I schools. Students from
underrepresented populations will be identified through
screenings, teacher observation, and testing. These efforts lay
the foundation for critical groundwork which will increase the
fidelity of the Gifted Program in Palm Beach County Schools.
Through teacher professional development opportunities, an
expansion of services, and an increase in lesson rigor, the
Palm Beach School District’s Gifted Program flourishes in the
services provided to this special population of students. As a
District, we will continue to strive to provide gifted services that afford all students equal access to our program,
resulting in the gifted population better mirroring the demographics of the district wide population.

Michelle R Martin, M.Ed.
Gifted Program Planner Palm Beach School District

Volume 40 Issue 1 Page 11