Page 26 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Gifted Support

The District implements universal gifted screening in second grade to identify giftedness in traditionally underrepresented
student groups. The FY24 school year marked the District’s third year implementing the Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test
(NNAT3) universal screener. The NNAT3 was administered to all eligible second graders, at all District-operated elementary
schools, totaling 11,529. This resulted in 1,954 more students accessing the gifted screener than in FY23.

National averages show that six to ten percent of students initially screened meet the requirements for gifted identification.
At the close of the FY24 school year, approximately 2,150 rising grade 3 students were eligible to progress in the gifted
evaluation process.

As students are screened as potentially gifted, it is essential to ensure that the District has enough gifted-certified teachers
to serve this population of students. The District has responded to this need by offering teachers flexible, free online
certification courses. These gifted endorsement certification courses are offered in both English and Spanish. There are
approximately 43 teachers who have earned the Gifted Endorsement, and 220 teachers currently enrolled in the online
gifted endorsement program. To further support their professional learning, the District provides gifted-endorsed teachers
with a year-long membership to the National Association for Gifted Children.

Multicultural Education and Migrant Education Programs

Dual-Language
Palm Beach County’s Dual-Language program celebrated a significant expansion this year, further solidifying its longstanding
partnership with the Spanish Ministry of Education. With 40 visiting teachers from Spain joining the program, the total
number now stands at 67 who are enriching classrooms with native Spanish expertise. This growth supports the program’s
impressive reach, serving over 9,800 students across 38 schools.

The District’s commitment extends beyond Spanish. Two new Haitian Creole programs opened at Indian Pines ES and
Lake Park ES, bringing the total to three. These programs cater to both Haitian Creole English Language Learners (ELL)
and non-ELL students.

In line with our commitment to providing comprehensive language instruction, secondary education has been a significant
focus. Jupiter MS, Polo Park MS, Tradewinds MS, and Dr. Joaquín García HS all opened their Dual-Language programs this
year, introducing rigorous Spanish language instruction and other content area offerings in Spanish.

Finally, parental engagement is paramount. Over 1,000 parents attended workshops, learning the benefits of bilingualism
and biliteracy through the Dual-Language program.

FY24 Dual-Language Success: Bilingualism and High Achievement

Parent workshops spotlight dual-language benefits

26 Superintendent Annual Report 2023 - 2024