Gifted Education Program

Philosophy

In Bay County Public Schools there is a commitment to identifying, educating, and nurturing gifted students by providing a climate where the talents and potential of gifted students are valued and fostered. The curriculum is rigorous and relevant. It is provided by teachers who understand and value gifted students and have been specially trained to meet the learning needs of the gifted.

Mission Statement

The mission of Bay County’s Gifted Program is to provide programs and services that meet the unique cognitive, social, and emotional needs of gifted students, while preparing them to be contributing members of society and successful in their future careers and endeavors.

Goals

The goals of the Bay County Gifted Program are to:

·         Identify potential giftedness, keeping in mind that gifted students come from  all  backgrounds with special abilities ranging across a wide spectrum of achievement

·         Meet the learning needs of gifted students of all ages through a differentiated  curriculum designed to focus on the learning strengths of the gifted student

·         Enhance the capacity of teachers who serve gifted students through support and professional development opportunities

Definition of Gifted

Florida legislation has identified gifted learners as a part of the exceptional student education population since 1968. Students in Florida are eligible for exceptional educational programs if they meet the criteria outlined in the Florida Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03019, FAC.  In Florida, a student who is gifted has “superior intellectual development and is capable of high performance.” These criteria focus on a learner’s need for the gifted education program, general intellectual functioning, and various behavioral and intellectual characteristics. These students require special provisions to meet their educational needs.