Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Elementary Program 

Question:

What is the Elementary Gifted and Talented (GT) Program?

Answer:

The Gifted and Talented program's purpose is to provide a systematic delivery system and a comprehensive program to develop the potential of the county's most capable elementary students. Guided by national and state gifted program standards, Carroll County Public Schools' Gifted and Talented Program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the unique needs of the schools and students it serves. 

Question:

How does Carroll County Public Schools identify gifted and talented students?

Answer:

Formal identification (ID) and participation begin in the third grade. The students may be referred by a teacher, a parent, or an administrator. The process, conducted by the school's Gifted and Talented Referral and Review Team, seeks to gather and use multiple sources of data, both quantitative and qualitative to profile student strengths and make recommendations for appropriate interventions. The Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher communicates to parents regarding the team's findings and how the school will address the needs of identified students. The referral and review process is ongoing throughout a student's elementary career. Although the formal ID process does not get underway until the end of second grade, the program strives to create learning opportunities for highly able students at all levels to reach their potential. As parents, your input and support are welcomed as we work to make this process equitable and comprehensive.

Question:

When are students identified?

Answer:

Evaluation for gifted and talented intervention begins in the spring of second grade and continues throughout the school year for grades 3, 4, and 5. The Gifted and Talented Referral and Review Team Chart linked here illustrates the sequence of steps involved in the screening process.

Question:

My child has not been identified for Gifted and Talented services.  What happens now?

Answer:

If the Gifted and Talented Referral and Review Team determines that the child's needs are being met in the regular classroom, it is important to meet with the classroom teacher to understand what differentiated instruction is in place. The student can be reviewed again when evidence suggests a change in service is appropriate.

Question:

In what subject areas do students receive services?

Answer:

Children in grades 3-5 who are identified for services receive math and integrated language arts (ILA) instruction from Gifted and Talented Resource Teachers. All second graders participate in whole group lessons focusing on talent development. (Primary Education Thinking Skills-PETS)

Question:

What happens if my child transfers into Carroll County from another county and/or state and was previously in Gifted and Talented?

Answer:

Your child will receive Gifted and Talented services on a provisional basis if they were identified in math and/or integrated language arts(ILA). The Gifted and Talented Referral and Review Team will re-evaluate the placement as more data is available, collected, and reviewed.

Question:

Are students who participate in the Gifted and Talented Program required to make up missed classroom work?

Answer:

Gifted and Talented instruction takes the place of classroom instruction; therefore students should not be required to make up missed work. There may be an exception from time to time. However, should you have a concern, contact the teacher for clarification. Ongoing communication between the classroom teacher and the Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher is expected. 

Question:

Once a child is identified, is the child always in the program?

Answer:

Students' instructional needs are evaluated during the Referral and Review Process that occurs, at a minimum, three times a year. Service levels may be changed as a result of the process, or any time there is a documented need to revisit the services.

Question:

Where can parents of gifted and talented students go for support?

Answer:

Please check the advocacy and resource links of the parent section of this website.