Gifted Education

At Northeast Elementary, gifted education is designed to recognize and support students' individual strengths, abilities and areas of giftedness. Our goal is to provide appropriate challenge while supporting the whole child, including both academic growth and social-emotional development.

Gifted Programming at Northeast

We focus on the depth and complexity of learning, rather than simply moving students ahead to the next grade level's content. Students identified as gifted are placed in cluster groups with other gifted learners, providing opportunities for peer connection, collaboration and appropriately challenging instruction. Teachers use student needs and learning data to determine when additional differentiation or grouping may be beneficial.

Depending on the student and area of need, gifted programming may include:

Flexible grouping in reading and math
EAGLE Time enrichment groups
Content acceleration
Curriculum compacting
Independent study
Inquiry and project-based learning
Blended learning
Advanced or enriched curriculum and learning experiences

Northeast also uses a variety of resources specifically designed to extend learning and support gifted students academically and socially-emotionally.

Gifted Identification

Gifted identification is based on a body of evidence that helps us understand a student's strengths, interests, abilities and learning needs. Families interested in beginning the identification process should complete the DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral Form. Once a referral is submitted, Northeast's Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with the family regarding next steps, which may include assessment, observation and the collection of additional qualitative and quantitative information.

DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral Form

Advanced Learning Plans

Students who are formally identified as gifted receive an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP). The ALP is developed collaboratively by the Gifted Education Facilitator, classroom teachers, the student and family. It identifies individualized academic and affective goals and helps guide the differentiation and support a student receives in their identified area or areas of giftedness. ALPs are monitored throughout the year and adjusted as students grow and their needs evolve.