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36 SUPERINTENDENT ANNUAL REPORTGIFTED SUPPORTThe District continues its universal screening initiative for all second-grade students. In FY26, the District marked its fifth consecutive year of administering the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) as the primary screening tool. This year, 9,859 students from every District-operated school participated in the process.Comprehensive training on screening instruments, such as the NNAT3 and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2), ensures consistent and accurate implementation across campuses. Individualized coaching and technical assistance further support Exceptional Student Education (ESE) contacts. Key areas of support include:%u2022 Guiding schools through gifted identification procedures.%u2022 Navigating complex eligibility processes.%u2022 Implementing specialized research-based programs.Professional learning is offered throughout the academic year for ESE contacts, gifted teachers, and general education teachers. Sessions focus on recognizing the unique characteristics of gifted learners. Training topics include developing high-quality educational plans and employing small-group instructional strategies to address academic needs and support students%u2019 overall well-being.To ensure qualified educators teach gifted students, the District provides free online gifted-endorsement courses available in both English and Spanish. Over 300 professionals enrolled in the fall and winter cohorts during FY26. Additionally, teachers who earn the gifted endorsement receive a year-long membership to the National Association for Gifted Children, granting access to national research and ongoing professional learning.BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE: GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AND PROJECT-BASED LEARNINGThe District prepares students for the real world using Project-Based Learning (PBL), an approach that turns the classroom into a hub for discovery, creativity, and problem-solving. Students tackle real-world challenges over an extended period. This method keeps learners engaged while building critical thinking and teamwork skills needed for college and careers.Participating schools implement specialized programs such as 3DE by Junior Achievement, PBLWorks, and Participate Learning (Global Leadership) to connect classroom lessons with the community and local industry. Whether solving a business challenge or investigating an environmental issue, students apply acquired knowledge to the world around them.To ensure students receive the best experience, efforts focused on several key areas:%u2022 Principals worked in a %u201cCommunity of Practice%u201d to share effective strategies.%u2022 Teachers participated in ongoing, hands-on professional learning to refine instruction.%u2022 Campus leaders visited classrooms across the District to learn from peers and bring new ideas back to the local sites.