Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
(229) 431-1285

Quick Links

Superintendent's Office
Human Resources
Curriculum
Calendars
Child Nutrition
Athletic Schedules
Transcript Requests
FAQs
School & Dept Directory
Federal Programs
Purchasing Department 

Gifted students represent a group whose learning styles and thinking abilities require experiences that are outside the educational mainstream. The gifted education program is committed to offering an educational environment designed to challenge these special learners to the greatest possible extent of their abilities. The gifted staff is dedicated to providing learning experiences that are grounded in higher-level thinking processes and production of complex products. The long-range goals of the program are self-actualization for the gifted student and the development of a sense of responsibility to self, school, and society.

Referrals
Gifted Eligibility Criteria
Program Descriptions
Internship Program
Resource Links
Gifted Education Continuation Policies
Gifted Infield Endorsement
Parenting Tips
Websites for Parents and Students
Websites for Teachers
Parent Nomination for Gifted Screening

Referrals

• Reported Referrals
  
  Nominations for screening are usually made by classroom teachers, guidance counselors, or parents. However, any person who has knowledge of a student's outstanding gifts or talents may submit a nomination. Peers or the student himself or herself may also submit a nomination. The Referral Form located above should be completed and sent to the Gifted Education Office. Once a nomination is received in the Gifted Education Office, the parent or guardian will receive a form requesting permission for the screening process. Students who score at the 77th percentile or higher on the screening test will proceed to the formal evaluation process.
  
  Students can be nominated for screening consideration any time during the school year; however, the main screening and testing period is in the spring. Students are eligible for evaluation once per school year for entry into the program. The screening and testing process also takes place each fall for kindergarten students.
   
• Automatic Referrals
  
  Each year personnel from the gifted program review the test scores of students from system-wide ITBS testing for grades five and eight. Parents of a student who scores 90 percentile in total reading, or total math, or on the composite on the ITBS, are notified that their child is eligible for the screening process. Students who score in the top 10% on the CRCT are also eligible for an automatic referral. Once parental approval has been given in writing, students will be administered a mental ability screening test.

Gifted Eligibility Criteria

As defined by the Georgia Department of Education, "a gifted student is one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, and/or creative abilities, exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities."

According to the rules of the Georgia Department of Education, a student is eligible for placement in the Gifted Education Program if he or she meets eligibility requirements in Category I or Category II below.

I. Mental Ability and Achievement

Grades K-2: Total score of 99 percentile on a mental ability test and achievement test score of 90 percentile in total reading, total math, or composite.

Grades 3-12: Total score of 96 percentile on a mental ability test and achievement test score of 90 percentile in total reading, total math, or composite.

II. Multiple Criteria (Grades K-12). Student must meet criteria in three out of four of the following categories:

A. Mental Ability - 96 percentile score on a mental ability test.

B. Achievement - 90 percentile score in total reading, total math, or composite.

C. Creativity - 90 percentile score on a creativity test.

D. Motivation - Overall 85 academic average during the last two years (grades 3-12) or score of 90 percentile on a motivational rating scale (K-2).

Regina Mansfield is the Gifted Eligibility Testing Coordinator.

Program Descriptions

Elementary Program (L.I.F.E. Lab)
Gifted students in kindergarten through fifth grade participate in a resource program known as L.I.F.E. (Learning in a Flexible Environment) Lab. The faculty at the L.I.F.E. Lab Center includes five gifted endorsed teachers. Students come to the Center for one day each week and are transported back to their regular school at the end of the day. Students experience a variety of topics within thematic units in a student-centered environment. The gifted goals and benchmarks include opportunities to develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, research, communication, and teamwork. To continue in the gifted program each year, students must maintain satisfactory performance in the regular education program as well as at L.I.F.E. Lab.

Activities throughout the school year include many of the following:

• Higher level thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
• Product alternatives
• Technology skills
• Research and reference skills
• Independent study skills
• Communication skills
• Creative thinking which includes developing and practicing the use of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration
• Scientific process skills
• Field trips and community resources to support curricular objectives

Teachers for grades 1-3 are Cecily Bates and Tammy Gregors. Teachers for grades 4 and 5 are Anne Dodson and Candice Walton. The kindergarten teacher is Tracy Lane. To e-mail one of the teachers, click on the teacher's name.

Middle School Program

All gifted students in grades six, seven, and eight attend the EXCEL Program at Merry Acres Middle School where they receive gifted instruction in all academic subject areas each day. Gifted middle school students who are zoned for other Dougherty County middle schools are transported to Merry Acres Middle School where they participate in all aspects of the school for the entire day.

The EXCEL staff of gifted-endorsed teachers provides differentiated instruction that focuses on the core content areas. Georgia Performance Standards are addressed with appropriate accommodations to meet the pacing and advanced needs of the gifted learners. Emphasis is also placed on research and production of quality products. Opportunities are given to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, innovative thinking, meta-cognitive skills, communication, and teamwork. Students have opportunities to participate in workshops and field trips that actively involve them in higher level, creative thinking skills.

Teachers serving gifted students include Dr. Jennifer Clark, Peggy Harris, Stacy Harvey, Natasha Holmes, Dr. Dee Ann Owens, Erin Roberts, Robert Rusconi, Debra Smith, and Carole Wiles.

High School Program

Gifted high school students in grades nine through twelve may attend the Albany High School High Honors program or they may be served through one or more delivery models in their zoned high school. Students are served through the advanced content model with gifted endorsed teachers and Advanced Placement courses are available for qualified students. Additionally, regular education teachers collaborate with a gifted specialist to provide higher-level tasks/projects for gifted students. Gifted/advanced level classes include opportunities for developing advanced skills in research, written and oral communication, critical thinking and evaluation, independent study, and production of sophisticated products.

Senior Internship Program

Gifted seniors who meet the qualifications have the opportunity to participate in the career internship program at a local business, agency, or organization. Students earn a grade and high school elective credit toward graduation. This gives the student a valuable look into a career field so that he or she will have first-hand experience and knowledge about that career. This inside look into a career field puts the student in contact with professionals who can share helpful insights about the specific career. The program began in 1994 and students have completed internships in pre-medicine, physical therapy, engineering, architecture, law, business, computer science, education, journalism, broadcasting, veterinary science and other career fields.

To qualify for the Internship Program, gifted students must have a minimum academic grade point average of 3.5, have earned 21 units of credit by the end of their junior year, and have recommendations from three teachers. Students can intern for one or two semesters and earn elective credit. Students must be able to supply their own transportation. For further information call Trina Robinson, Supervisor of Gifted Education, or e-mail her at trina.robinson@docoschools.org.

Resource Links

• Resources for Parents and Teachers
• Experts' Advice to Parents and Teachers
• National Association for Gifted Children
• Georgia Association for Gifted Children

Dougherty County School System
200 Pine Ave., Albany, GA 31701
(229) 431-1264
webmaster@docoschools.org

Copyright © 1998-2012. All rights reserved.
Last revision: 02/15/2012

Disclaimer
DCSS Web Site Privacy Policy

The statements set forth in this website are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between the Dougherty County School System and any individual. While every effort will be made to insure accuracy of the material stated herein, Dougherty County School System reserves the right to change any provision listed in this website without notice to any individual.

The Dougherty County School System is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, national origin, age, sex, religion, or disability.