Office of Gifted and Talented Education

21 Thirkeld Avenue, S.W.

Atlanta, GA 30315

404-802-7585 (Office)

404-624-2007 (Fax)

Gifted and Talented Education in High School

Frequently Asked Questions

How will my child be served in high school?

High school students are served utilizing various delivery models in Atlanta Public Schools. The primary
delivery model is Advanced Content comprising of Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International
Baccalaureate (IB) classes. The AP/IB classes are taught by teachers who are trained by the College Board
and/or International Baccalaureate Program. In addition to those programs, the teacher must have
professional development in the characteristics and curriculum design for gifted learners. Some students
receive their gifted service through the Collaborative Model. These students are served through their content
area of strength, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and/or Math by a general education teacher who
collaborates with a gifted endorsed teacher. Through this collaboration the content is differentiated to
challenge the gifted student. Advanced Content and collaboration meet the requirements of the Georgia
Board Rule 160-4-2-.38.

What determines the high school model a school employs?

The model a school employs is driven by the principal, number of gifted students and their interests, and the
number of gifted endorsed teachers in the building.

How many students are in Gifted and Talented classes at the high school?

According to Georgia Board Rule 160-4-2.38, the high school class size limit is 21 for Advanced Content
courses. For the 2012-2013 school year, the school district may draft a resolution to increase the class size. If a
resolution for gifted is created, increases will be published by the Office of Gifted and Talented Education.

How is the Gifted and Talented curriculum different?

Student instruction is based on the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS), Advanced
Placement, or International Baccalaureate Program. The specialized training the gifted teacher receives
provides them with strategies on differentiating the said curriculum according to the following Gifted
Standards:

. Advanced Critical Thinking
. Advanced Communication Skills
. Advanced Research Skills
. Creative Problem Solving

The difference is not in what is taught but how it is taught. Students will have opportunities to think more in
depth, critically, and creatively about the content. They will practice independent advanced research skills
which will ultimately prepare them for college.

How will my child be supported?

Gifted and Talented Education teachers not only address the academic needs of the learner but also assist
them in understanding the impact of their giftedness on their social and emotional wellbeing. The vehicle for
this interaction may come through advisory, before/lunch/after school tutoring, or mentorship. Enrichment is
vital to the high school student as participation in programs such as Governors Honors, US Youth Senate,
Street Law, Georgia Academic Decathlon, Odyssey of the Mind, Science Olympiad, etc. provide them with
translatable experiences in the college application process. Academically, all students receive progress reports
every 9 weeks and communication from the school is ongoing.

How will my child be evaluated in the high school?

Since the Advanced Content and Collaborative Models are based upon daily performance, the evaluation is
based upon test grades, assignments, performance tasks, and classroom performance. The AP/IB classes use
the same reporting system as other classes. If a student has difficulty in any AP/IB classes, a parent conference
will take place to discuss interventions and continuation options.

How can I support my gifted child in high school?

The same ways you were able to support your gifted learner in elementary and middle school are also
applicable to high school.

. Read all information on school policies, curriculum, and discipline carefully.
. Keep informed about your child’s grades through the Parent Portal on APS’s website. This is extremely
important as you know your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
. Talk to your child about their interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses.
. Ask the guidance counselor and gifted teacher (s) about the things that you can do to help your child
discover more about himself/herself.
. Encourage your child to try new experiences, meet new people and explore new careers.
. Encourage self-awareness inventories though school.
. Attend school events in which your child participates. Talk frequently with him/her about the
importance of high school classes and a positive attitude towards school.
. Make a special effort to be direct, supportive, and a good listener. Listen when your child discusses
school.
. Request periodic meetings with teachers. If English is not your primary language, ask for a translator or
bring a bilingual friend/family member.
. Finally, value your child’s education by encouraging homework and reading.

If the Office of Gifted and Talented Education can be of any assistance, please call (404) 802-7585.