All RCS elementary schools use a cluster service model for gifted education. Cluster grouping is an ODEW approved method of gifted servicing that places multiple identified students (clusters) in a classroom. Clustering allows the classroom teacher to differentiate instruction and curriculum to the appropriate level for advanced learners. Any student identified as gifted in superior cognitive ability, creative thinking ability, mathematics, and/or reading is eligible to receive these services. Gifted services in grades 2-5 will be provided by the classroom teacher who has participated in professional learning for gifted education or is a licensed gifted specialist. 

 

Gifted services are available at all middle/junior high schools in the subjects of language arts and mathematics, and will be available to any student identified as gifted in superior cognitive ability, creative thinking ability, reading, and/or mathematics. Students identified as gifted may enroll in Enriched courses to receive gifted services, as well as acceleration placements (Integrated Math 1, Enriched English 9).

 

Gifted services in grades 6-8 will be provided by either a licensed gifted specialist or a teacher who has participated in professional learning for gifted education.  

 

Upon enrolling in high school, gifted services are elective, meaning students may choose to enroll in courses that offer gifted service but are not required to do so. Courses offered in grades 9-12 that are eligible for gifted service provision include enriched courses (e.g. Enriched English 9), Advanced Placement courses, and College Credit Plus courses. Any student enrolling in one or more of these courses with a corresponding gifted identification (e.g. superior cognitive ability for any subject area, or reading for English) will receive gifted services. 

 

Gifted services in grades 9-12 will be provided by either a licensed gifted specialist, a teacher who has participated in professional learning for gifted education, or a teacher who is credentialed by a college or university as an adjunct professor.

 

Gifted services for students identified as creative thinkers are available in the same format as all listed above. The criteria to receive gifted service for a student identified as gifted in creative thinking ability is that the student must also demonstrate above-average ability in a subject area (e.g. the student is identified as gifted in creative thinking ability and also scored within the 85th percentile of mathematics may receive gifted services in a math course).