The Gifted Education program guides schools in identifying and providing differentiated instruction for students with exceptional potential. All procedures for referral, record keeping, and services are consistent throughout our school system. Students who are eligible for services at one DoDDS school are automatically eligible at all schools. Students who transfer into a DoDDS school from a public or private school are referred to a Gifted Review Committee if there is evidence of participation in a gifted program.

Students may also be referred for review at the time of enrollment if records indicate exceptionally high achievement or ability; but parents, teachers and students may request referral at any time during the year. The identification process locates students whose potential or performance is so extraordinary that they require modifications in their instruction. During the referral process, a variety of data is gathered that includes both formal and informal assessments. "Assessment" is a broad term used for observations, rating scales, work samples, tests and records of accomplishment. No test is required for referral and no single test score determines eligibility.

The review committee determines the most effective ways to meet the needs of identified students. Selecting from a list of service options, schools consider their current educational resources and make choices based upon student needs. Students with different strengths may receive different types of services. No matter which choices are made, each school has in place several ways for eligible students to receive support. Differentiated instruction involves active partnerships within the school as teachers work together to provide curriculum and instruction that challenge gifted learners.

Middle school is a transition year between elementary and high school. Students at the secondary level are encouraged to self-select classes that match their skills and interests. Because there are many advanced courses and leadership opportunities available, a resource teacher may not provide direct instruction to every identified student. Advisory sessions can provide effective support. At all DoDDS-E middle and high schools, a program advisor is available to help ensure that the educational program matches student needs.

“Giftedness appears in many different forms in every cultural group at every level of society…Yet, it remains a potentiality until it has been discovered and developed. In coming to grips with more effective approaches to identify giftedness, the promise is that educators will better understand how to identify and nurture the potential of all learners.” (Passow and Frasier, 1996)

Helpful Links:

DoDEA Gifted site - guidelines and links to online resources
Gifted Education Program Overview (36 kb .doc file)
Gifted Education Program Guide (396 kb .pdf file)
DoDEA Regulation 2590.1 - Programs for Gifted Education Students (DoDEA website - .pdf file)
Identification Standards - procedures for student referral, assessment, and eligibility for gifted education services (24 kb .doc file)
Assessment Policy - ability tests are not required for identification of eligible students (24 kb .doc file)
Rating Scales - parent, teacher and student self-assessments used with other data evaluated by the Gifted Review Committee.
Tutorial for Educators - procedures and policies for student identification.
Standards for Providing Student Services
Standards for Curriculum and Instruction
Student Services - ES, HS and MS instructional options (36 kb .doc file)
Links - Online resources for parents and educators
FAQs - Frequently asked questions.