Page 11 - FDLRS Focus - Winter 2020

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 41 Issue 1 Page 11