Page 13 - FDLRS Focus Winter 2021

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 10
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 11 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 35 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.

Theresa Thomas
Gifted Instructional Specialist

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

Volume 42 Issue 1 Page 13