Vaughn School Gifted And Talented Plan

Vaughn School, in cooperation with Parents and Community Members, will

develop a positive environment for Children to grow academically, socially,

emotionally and behaviorally.

1. High expectations are necessary for student achievement.

2. Respect, cooperation and communication among staff members, students, parents and the community create a positive learning environment.

3. All children are entitled to a challenging education that is developmentally appropriate and gives them a feeling of success.

4. All children deserve proper nurturing and guidance to develop into successful, happy and productive adults.

Program Philosophy

The Vaughn School is dedicated to meeting the needs of every student. Our School Mission and Belief statements demonstrate our commitments to providing a challenging education that is developmentally appropriate and that provides proper nurturing and guidance throughout the learning process. These are priorities for all students, according to individual ability and need. We understand that it is necessary to provide for the unique needs of gifted and talented students in our school. We are committed to providing high-ability learners with a learning environment flexible enough to allow a diversity of options in order to maximize their potential.

Student Identification

The Vaughn School uses an RTI (Response To Intervention) Team to facilitate the screening and facilitation of high-ability learners. This team consists of three teachers and one administrator. Referrals for the Gifted and Talented Program come from administrators, teachers, parents, or the student. Identification is determined through the Montana CRT (Criterion-Referenced Test), classroom performance, student/parent/teacher checklists, MAP Assessment, and/or other valid and reliable assessment instruments. All student data is collected, reviewed as a team, and appropriate interventions are discussed to meet the needs of the exceptional student. Interventions may include differentiated instruction in the classroom, additional programming to provide enrichment, subject acceleration, and other learning opportunities to help the child fully achieve their potential contribution to self and society. Student data, progress, and achievement is reviewed quarterly and necessary adjustments to their educational plan are made.

Professional Development

The gifted and talented coordinator will discuss with staff members at a monthly staff meeting the nature and needs of gifted students. One staff development meeting will consist of differentiating learning activities for students with an emphasis on the needs of gifted learners. All teachers on staff hold a current Montana teacher certificate. Staff has assigned prep periods in which they are encouraged to plan instructional activities that will meet the individual needs of all students.

Socio-Emotional Guidance and Counseling

Vaughn School has a certified school counselor on staff who is qualified to provide guidance and counseling services for any gifted learners who may have special socio-emotional needs. The guidance counselor teaches social skills one period a week to grades K-6 students. 7^th and 8^th grade students receive ½ credit of a Careers class where they receive guidance in careers and job development.

Program Evaluation

Each year, the administrator and teaching staff evaluates the gifted and talented program to determine if intended goals have been addressed. The school district will do whatever possible to provide sufficient resources for this program evaluation.