In accordance with the WJCC Vision/Mission statement, gifted learners receive educational services that provide opportunities directed to their unique needs. These services include a differentiated instructional program that teaches higher level thinking processes in a learning environment that is respectful of the uniqueness of the individual student and conducive to risk-taking and exploration of new ideas. A flexible instructional pace enables students to maximize their learning. The K-12 continuum of services is designed to emphasize the importance of matching services to student needs.
Visions is the name given to the gifted program in WJCC. Each of our nine elementary schools has a full-time gifted resource teacher who works collaboratively with classroom teachers and other staff to meet the cognitive and affective needs of gifted learners. Formal identification for students referred takes into consideration ability tests, achievement scores, observations, teacher and parent rating scales, class participation, and student products.
In our three middle schools and three high schools are classroom teachers who also manage the gifted program screening responsibilities.
The Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted explains in detail all aspects of gifted education in WJCC. Also included in that plan are the long-range goals. A copy of the Local Plan is available in each school.
- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Young Scholars Program (Application will open on January 11, 2021.)
- W&M Focusing on the Future Conference
- Governor’s School for Science and Technology Summer Camp Opportunities
- W&M Saturday Enrichment Program, Spring 2021
- National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
- Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAG)
- William & Mary Saturday and Summer Enrichment Programs (SEP)
- Jacob’s Ladder Enrichment Program
- Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
- Hoagies Gifted
- GT World
- National Association for Gifted Children Parent COVID-19 Tip Sheet
- Parent Resources from the Davidson Institute for Gifted
- National Association for Gifted Children Parent Resources
- 100 Free Learning Resources and At-Home Learning Activities for Kids of All Ages from Johns Hopkins University
- Spy Museum Kids Games
- New York Times Daily Puzzle: Set
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series
- Scripp’s National Spelling Bee
- Storyline Online
- Arcade-Style Math Games
- Squirmin’ Herman & The Great Plant Escape
- Alice.org
- Alice 2.2
- Architecture
Local places for students to go and expand their knowledge of various museums and historical sites in the region. A great way to help enhance student’s prior knowledge is through exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student data is continuously screened all year long, and all 2nd graders take a nationally-normed, standardized ability test in the spring. Referrals for the gifted program may be accepted at any time of the school year, but the Open Gifted Referral period is February 12th-26th, 2021. The state regulations for gifted programs require that the gifted identification process be completed within 90 instructional days from the receipt of parent permission to test.
The following services will be provided:
- Grades K push-in services to classrooms
- Grades 1-5 enrichment services
- Fifth grade academic program in Language Arts and Math for students formally identified as gifted.
- Grades 6-8-specific academic gifted classes in Language Arts, Social studies, and/ or Math
- Grades 9-10- specific academic gifted classes in Language Arts, Social studies
- Grades 10-12- AP courses, DE courses and Governor’s School
Many criteria are reviewed to help determine eligibility for gifted services. These may include:
- One or more ability tests, (i.e. IQ test)
- Achievement tests
- Portfolio of student work
- Rating scales of gifted behaviors completed by parents and teachers
- Grades
No. However, students not eligible for gifted services still have opportunities for differentiation, including honors classes and a wide variety of elective courses.
No.  Both screening for gifted services and delivery of instruction are for those students currently enrolled in WJCC schools.
Yes, the student maintains his/her gifted placement.  However, a student may need to complete screening for additional gifted services.
Since each school division has different gifted services offered, we will review the student’s file for documentation and determine screening or placement.  Exception:  Students from a military family who have written documentation are placed provisionally and reviewed as needed.
No, once a student is found eligible for gifted services, the placement remains.
You will want to meet with the gifted resource teacher to discuss the results.  After that meeting a parent can appeal the placement decision.  If the student is not determined eligible on appeal, a parent can refer a child again after one calendar year.
Make contact with the gifted resource teacher at your child’s school to discuss the process. You will then complete both a referral form and a permission to test form.
