Understanding Giftedness

Hayden School District has chosen to adopt the Colorado Department of Education definition for giftedness.

 “Gifted and talented children” means those persons between the ages of five and twenty-one whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational programming needs. Gifted students include gifted students with disabilities (i.e. twice-exceptional and students with exceptional abilities or potential from all socio-economic and ethnic, cultural populations). Gifted students are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or a combination of these areas of giftedness:

  • General or specific intellectual ability.
  • Specific academic aptitude.
  • Creative or productive thinking.
  • Leadership abilities.
  • Visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, or psychomotor abilities.

Mission:

To recognize and nurture exceptional abilities of all gifted and talented students so that they develop high level, creative, and productive thinking, and healthy affective qualities.

 Vision:

Gifted and talented students in the Hayden School District are identified in their strength area(s).  Educational programming is designed and implemented to maximize their potential.  Student progress and achievement are monitored through ongoing assessment.

 Beliefs:

  • Gifted ability exists and should be identified and served in students of all ages from all cultures, races, ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic groups.
  • District administration, teachers, families, and the community share the responsibility to provide relevant and challenging opportunities to develop the individual potential of advanced learners.
  • Gifted students have unique strengths and needs that must be addressed.
  • Advanced Learners require rigorous and challenging curriculum with programming and a continuum of services to meet their exceptional needs.
  • Students should be active participants and share the responsibility for maximizing the learning opportunities provided.
  • We recognize that some children have abilities that are significantly advanced and need additional support to become successful lifelong learners.
  • Gifted students may need support and guidance to develop healthy and positive affective characteristics.
  • Cognitive development is enhanced within social and emotional wellness.
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The following are documents that lay out the general framework for how a student is identified as Gifted & Talented (GT) per the NW BOCES WEBSITE — please contact the school for more specific information:

Sample Forms from NW BOCES GT

Gifted and Talented Resources

Websites with resources for teachers, parents, and students:

If you have questions regarding gifted and talented, please contact the school principal.