Gifted and Talented (GT)
GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION: ACADEMIC APTITUDE (GATES IDENTIFICATION)
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 104 establishes the framework for gifted education in Maine and stipulates that 3–5% of students be formally identified for GT services. While our school provides enrichment and challenge opportunities for all high-achieving learners, the SAIL program is designed specifically for students identified as gifted. Its primary purpose is to address their unique academic and social-emotional needs through services that extend beyond the supports offered to their high-performing peers.
Both qualitative and quantitative data are used in the identification process. This includes ability and achievement assessments, analysis of classroom engagement, teacher observations, and may also include work samples and other anecdotal evidence. The RSU 21 Child Study Team—comprised of administrators, GT staff, and classroom teachers—reviews this data and makes final identification/observation decisions annually.
GRADES K and 1:
- Tier 2 Enrichment materials available upon teacher request
GRADES 2 and 3:
- Tier 2 Enrichment for based teacher recommendation ONLY
END OF GRADE 3:
- Use 2 most recent school years worth of previous NWEA data and drop the lowest score, average the remaining 5 scores
- 94th percentile average and above on NWEA then administer CogAT
- If 94th to 96th percentile on NWEA and 97th on CogAT then qualify for Tier 2 enrichment
- If 97th percentile and/or above on CogAT and NWEA, then Tier 2 enrichment services. (Formal identification does not happen until the end of 5th grade.)
- Traits Teacher Nomination Form: 7 out of 12 traits
END OF GRADE 5:
- Use 2 most recent school years worth of previous NWEA data and drop the lowest score, average the remaining 5 scores
- If they have been administered the CogAT in 3rd, and they scored a 97th percentile at that time do not need to be administered the CogAT a second time
- 94th percentile average and above on NWEA then administer CogAT if it has not been completed in 3rd grade
- If 94th to 96th percentile on NWEA and 97th on CogAT then qualify for Tier 2 enrichment
- If 97th percentile and/or above on CogAT and NWEA, then formally identified as Gifted and Talented.
- Traits Teacher Nomination Form: 7 out of 12 traits
END OF GRADE 8:
- Use 3 most recent school years worth of previous NWEA data and drop the lowest score, average the remaining scores
- 97th on all evaluations, CogAT and NWEA.
- Traits Teacher Nomination Form: 7 out of 12 traits
Individual Learning Plans (ILP) will be developed for each identified student.
The Child Study Team (CST), made up of GATES staff, classroom teachers, and district administration, convenes annually in May. The GATES staff will present information gathered through the screening process to the CST. Students are selected as intellectually gifted or gifted in a specific academic area. Between three to five percent of the grade level population will be identified for GATES services. Parents will be notified by mail of CST’s determinations. The decision made by the CST is final. Written permission is required to participate in the GATES program.
GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION: VISUAL ARTS PHILOSOPHY AND IDENTIFICATION
RSU 21 is committed to identifying children who show exceptional promise in the arts. Students gifted in the area of visual arts are identified and receive services at the end of Grade 5. To become eligible, a student may nee to present a portfolio or aduition. At the Middle and High School Level, students have additional opportunities for advanced study in the visual arts and the performing arts areas.
Talented Artists Program Portfolio Requirements Grades 5 and 6
- A self-portrait in any medium
- All work must have been completed within the last year
- Four additional pieces of work from any medium. (i.e. clay, plaster, watercolors, oils, acrylics, etc.)
- All portfolio submission MUST be entirely student-produced.
- At least three examples should be work completed in the school art program
- An application must be included with the portfolio. *
- The samples must include both 2-D and 3-D, in any combination. *
- Portfolios and applications will be screened by art teacher and GATES staff and interviews may be granted.
- Finalists' portfolios will be assessed by a local artist.
Art Foundations Honors- Grade 9
Art Foundations Honors is a comprehensive course with strong emphasis placed on the development of specific art skills in both 2D and 3D design, as well as the language of the visual arts.
Composition, and the elements and principles of art will be discussed and analyzed through regular class critiques of student work. In addition, studies will include art history and proper presentation/matting of artwork.
Students interested in applying to this class must do the following:
- Prepare a portfolio of original works.
- Submit a teacher recommendation.
- Complete a student application.
- Participate in an interview with the portfolio review committee.
The committee will include both educators and local artists. Interviews will be conducted at MSK.
Students new to the district should contact the high school for information.
5 PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:
Your portfolio is an essential component to the application process. It is required that all work be original (not copied from another source) and should reflect your best effort.
The portfolio consists of 5 pieces that consist of:
TWO (2) OBSERVATIONAL DRAWINGS:
“Observational” means that you are looking at the actual object(s) or scene. You should not be working from photographs or from images found on the Internet.
1. Still-life of at least 3-5 objects that say something about you (interests, hobbies, beliefs, etc).
Medium: Pencil
2. Go to your favorite room in your house. Think about what you like about this room. Draw what that space looks like.
Medium: Your choice.
THREE (3) ARTWORKS OF YOUR CHOICE:
These pieces may be paintings, prints, jewelry, sculpture etc. For computer art, please be prepared to show and explain your process.
Presentation of work is important. Please have your work mounted or matted and labeled with your name, medium and description of work. The portfolio itself may be of any type or style, but should be large enough to contain all artworks. Clearly label the outside of your portfolio with your name and address.
DECISIONS:
The Portfolio Review Committee will identify students for the Art Foundations Honors program based on the following criteria:
• Technical/perceptive skills
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Art commitment
• Completion of all application requirements
GIFTED AND TALENTED SERVICES STAFF
Kennebunkport Consolidated School (K-5)
Mildred L. Day School (K-5)
Kennebunk Elementary School (PK-2)
Sea Road School (4-5)
Middle School of the Kennebunks (6-8)
Kennebunk High School (9-12)