Gifted & Talented Program in Arkansas
Identification of gifted and talented students in the Lighthouse Academies of Arkansas is an ongoing process extending from grades K-12, serving at least 5% of the student population. Written identification and placement procedures for the GT program are available to all stakeholders (LHA GT handbook, 2016). Once a student has been referred, data is collected in a non-discriminatory manner. Multiple criteria are used to determine placement. Placement is made by at least a five member committee consisting of, but not limited to, a G/T Specialist, a counselor, classroom teachers, and the Director of Gifted/AP Programs. Identification procedures are uniformly implemented across the district. Gifted and talented student records remain on file for five (5) years post graduation.
Program Description
Grades K-2: Whole Group Enrichment Program
The G/T Teacher designs whole group enrichment lessons emphasizing creativity, problem solving, logic, and critical/reflective thinking. All K-2 students receive enrichment lessons provided by the G/T Specialist.
Grades 3-6: Pull Out Program
Students are pulled-out of the elective class-room for one hour 2 times a week and 30 minutes on Fridays. Students are not required to make up work missed while attending their G/T class. At this level, the gifted and talented teacher aims to enrich or extend the curriculum taught in the regular classroom. Content may be accelerated or enriched using basic or more complex curriculum for gifted students.
analysis, synthesis, evaluation, logical reasoning, inference, problem-solving, interpretation, and decision making
flexibility, originality, elaboration, curiosity, imagination, and risk-taking
questioning, listening, information gathering, organization, and product development
self-concept, interpersonal relations, coping with failure, communication, and personal decision making
Grades 7-8: Weekly G/T Seminar
During this time, students are provided with opportunities for growth in the following areas:
- Self-awareness
- Identifying and establishing priorities
- Scheduling time
- Organization
- Interacting with teachers
- Study skills
Grades 7-12: Pre-Advanced Placement/Advanced Placement
At this level, students are served through pre-advanced or advanced placement coursework. All teachers (Pre-AP and AP) are encouraged to differentiate their curriculum. Content may be remediated, accelerated, or enriched using basic or more complex resources.
Gifted and Talented Documents & Links
Contact
For more information, please reach out to your school's Gifted and Talented representative.
GT Coordinator Jacksonville Main Campus/Capital City Campus
melanie.maupin@arkansas.lha.net