Answers to parents' frequently asked questions:

1. What exactly does 'gifted' mean?
2. How do I know if my child is gifted?
3. What services does the S-G School District provide for gifted children?

What exactly does 'gifted' mean?

There are several definitions of the term 'gifted'.  

The U.S. Office of Education defines gifted and talented children as 
those '...who by virtue of 
outstanding abilities are capable of high performance.  
These...children...require differentiated 
educational programs and/or services beyond those normally provided by the 
regular school 
program in order to realize their [potential] contribution to self and 
society.'  

New York State Education Law defines 'gifted' as 'pupils who show evidence 
of 
high performance 
capability, and exceptional potential in areas such as general intellectual 
ability, special 
academic aptitude and outstanding ability in visual and performing arts.'  

Be sure to check out our 'Links' page for much more information on what it 
means to be 
'gifted'!!

Back to Top

How do I know if my child is gifted?

Does your child perform two or more years beyond his peers in one of more 
areas and/or read 
beyond her grade level?  Does your child have a sophisticated sense of 
humor, 
exhibit good 
problem-solving abilities, an extensive vocabulary, and a good memory?  Is 
your child 
mathematically or verbally advanced, or capable of highly detailed artwork?  
Is your child a 
perfectionist and/or highly self-critical?  These are all clues to your 
child's giftedness.  

Be sure to check out our 'Links' page for much more information on parenting 
a gifted child!!

Back to Top

What services does the S-G School District provide for gifted children?

There are several at the moment, including 'pull-out' 
programs (such as 1 hour a week 'OPAL' in grades 3, 4 and 5
'Young Scholars' in grades 4, 5, and 6, and 'Scotia 
Scholars' in grade 6).  
In grade 6, YS is a 1/2-day Humanities-based program.  
'Scotia Scholars' is a 1/2-day, science/
math-based program.  
Eligible 6th grade students can participate in one or both 
programs.  

At the Middle School, SciMaTech is a well-established program which, 
beginning in 7th grade, 
compacts curriculum and accelerates students in Science and Math.  Recently, 
the Board of 
Education voted to create Honors English classes in both 7th and 8th grade.  

At the high school level, Scotia-Glenville offers AP and Honors courses in 
several areas. 

The Academic Enrichment Task Force - comprised of parents, students, 
teachers, and 
administrators  recently reviewed the identification of gifted students and 
the options available 
to them.  The Task Force presented its recommendations to the Board of 
Education in February 
2006.  For details on these recommendations, see our 'Links' page.

Back to Top