1. How and when are referrals for gifted testing done?
Referrals are open all year. Teachers and/or parents and/or students may request gifted testing. Paper work is sent home and parents must give their permission.
2. What is SAGES 2?
“Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary and Middle School Students, 2nd Edition.” This test is used as a screening instrument. It can be taken individually or in groups. It is a reasoning test and is not general knowledge based. Students are required to pass the SAGES 2 before IQ testing.
3. How is IQ testing done for gifted students?
IQ testing is done by the school psychologist on a one-to-one basis.
4. How is IQ testing done for students who may have learning disabilities and be gifted?
The psychologist administers the chosen test in the same way as for any other student.
5. When do I get the results of IQ testing?
All results are shared at the E.P. meeting (Educational Plan). This requires some time to schedule as certain people are required to attend.
6. Who is present at E.P meetings and what are their roles?
The school psychologist, parents, teachers and others. Contact your guidance office for information on the mandates and information on due process protocol.
7. Can I take anyone with me to the EP meeting ?
Yes, you may bring any person. (Parents from FGSN are available.)
8. Why do I have to wait for my E.P meeting, and why can't the results be shared before the meeting?
Because it is due process law that requires that results must be shared at the E.P. meeting and not before.
9. Does my child have to be retested after being identified as gifted?
No not unless a child study team sees that more testing is needed. Parents must give written permission.
10. When are E.P.s reviewed?
This depends upon the needs of the student. Parents can request an E.P. review meeting if they are concerned about their child’s progress. E.P. meetings always occur when students transfer from elementary school to middle school, and from middle school to high school.
11. How is it determined which classes gifted students are enrolled in at Middle School?
This is discussed at the E.P. meeting in the spring of the 5th grade year. The EP team and parents work together according to the individual needs of the student.
12. How is it determined which classes gifted students are enrolled in at High School?
An EP transition meeting is done at the end of 8th grade.
13. How are minority students identified for gifted? What are the alternative testing options for identifying minority students?
Flagler County follows plan B. There are specific criteria which must be met. Contact your guidance office for more information.
14. Are gifted classes the same as regular classes but with more classwork and homework? Please explain the differences.
No, the curriculum is differentiated. It is not more of the same but more challenge, greater depth and a faster pace.
15. What is the process for getting our children in the gifted program when transferring from a private school?
Students must enroll in the Flagler County school system. Then contact your home zoned school’s guidance department to begin the process.
16. What is the entrance process for gifted children coming from gifted programs outside of our county or state?
Students must first enroll in the Flagler County school system and contact their home zoned school’s guidance office. Because there are national variations in the criterion for entry into gifted programs new students must meet Florida eligibility criterion.
17. We chose to leave the gifted program at the elementary level and home school, our child now wishes to go to middle school, how do we make the transition into gifted programs at middle school?
Contact the receiving school’s guidance department to set up an EP transition meeting.
18. We have an IQ test done by an outside psychologist. Now what?
Contact your home zoned school’s guidance department.
19. What schools have the "gifted" programs?
All schools have programs however the delivery of services varies. There are two elementary centers (Belle Terre Elementary and Bunnell Elementary) which offer full time self contained gifted classes in 3rd-5th grades. Children zoned for Belle Terre Elementary attend there. All other students attend Bunnell Elementary. Students who choose to attend their home zoned schools receive enrichment services and can take advanced classes.
Both Buddy Taylor Middle School and Indian Trails have gifted programs. For more information please see this link to the Flagler County Public Schools Gifted programs k-12 2008-2009.
