Gifted Education
Identification of Gifted Students / Service / Resources
Galion believes in helping the gifted student succeed; so, whether you are a parent or student, identified as gifted or potentially gifted, we invite you to explore the resources and information found here.
If there are any questions concerning gifted students or services, please feel free to contact us at 419-468-3432.
“What makes a child gifted and talented may not always be good grades in school, but a different way of looking at the world and learning.” Chuck Grassley
Identification of Gifted Students
In an effort to identify students for service Galion tests all 2nd graders in reading, math, superior cognition and creativity during the first semester of the school year. We have also added a whole grade screening in 4th grade for identification in superior cognition and creativity as well as a whole grade screening in reading, math, science and social studies in 5th grade. The scores, along with any teacher, parent or student referrals, are then used to help determine placement into the advanced courses offered at the Middle School.
Galion also provides opportunities for students to be identified in visual and performing arts. Each year teachers are watching for students with exceptionalities and they are given an opportunity to either produce a portfolio of their exceptional work or to perform for an assessor trained to identify gifted exceptionalities.
Furthermore, twice a year (late fall and spring) Galion actively seeks referrals from all classroom teachers to identify students who show exceptional potential in the classroom. In addition, a parent, student or peer can contact the building principal to refer a student for testing in a specific academic area (math, science, social studies, reading), superior cognition or a visual or performing arts area to determine if they might be gifted.
For the most up to date information, you can review our District Service Plan and Parent Brochure located at the bottom of this page.
A description of all student assessments can be found here.
“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent.” – John F. Kennedy
Service
Each year the administration and gifted educational consultant work together to identify if there should be any changes in where service will be provided based on data and a needs assessment. Currently Galion works with the regular classroom teachers to provide service utilizing a cluster grouping model in grades 3-5 as well as offering advanced courses in grades 6-8 at the Middle School. At the high school advanced courses and college level courses are offered. Those students who are being served will be notified by the end of the first grading period. Each students who is served will have a Written Education Plan (WEP) outlining their service.
Another way that Galion works to serve students is to explore Early Entrance to Kindergarten or First Grade for those exceptional students. If you feel that Early Entrance might be the best option for your students, please download the Early Entrance Brochure and application before returning this to the Primary School in the spring before they would attend Kindergarten or First Grade. In addition, a few exceptional students also explore options for subject or whole grade acceleration. If you wish to explore this option, please download and complete the acceleration application before turning it into any of the Galion Building offices or emailing a copy to the Gifted Educational Consultant.
Finally, some students may choose to take advantage of additional opportunities such as participating on an academic challenge team or other after school clubs. Please reference our District Service Plan and parent brochure for the most up to date information.
“Gifted children have no greater obligation than any other children to be future leaders or world class geniuses. They should just be given a chance to be themselves, children who might like to classify their collections of baseball cards by the middle initials of the players, or who might like to spend endless afternoon hours in dreamy reading of novels, and to have an education that appreciates and serves these behaviors.” – Jane Piirto
Resources for those Identified Gifted
There are many resources available for parents, students and teachers related to the needs of students identified as gifted. A compiled list of these resources, including scholarship opportunities, summer camps and social/emotional needs, can be accessed through Mid-Ohio ESC’s webpage.
Early Entrance to Kindergarten Brochure
Early Entrance to Kindergarten Application
“Our kids are normal. They just aren't typical...” – Jim Delisle