School divisions in Alexandria, VA are mandated to identify gifted K-12 students and provide them with instructional services that meet their needs. The Virginia Board of Education has established Regulations governing educational services for gifted students (PDF) that outline the requirements for school divisions to include in their local plan for the education of gifted students. Each school board must approve a comprehensive plan that includes the components identified in the regulations. Furthermore, school divisions must submit a copy of their approved plan when requested by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for a technical review.
The Virginia Department of Education defines “gifted students” as those students in public elementary and secondary schools, from kindergarten to graduation, who possess skills and potential for achievement that require special programs to meet their educational needs (VAC Virginia Board of Education; VAC 20-40-10 et Seq.). To help these students reach their full potential, they are offered honors, advanced placement (AP), and dual enrollment courses. High school students can also apply for the Governor's School summer program. Research has shown that when gifted students participate in these classes and are taught a rigorous curriculum, they continue to grow.
In Alexandria, VA, all services for gifted students are provided through a Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) in an honors course environment. Any changes made to the plan are based on data, feedback from internal and external stakeholders, research, the superintendent, school and district administrators, and feedback from the school board. All of these changes are made with the goal of ensuring that student needs are addressed. Resources available to gifted students include differentiated texts, school-level libraries, new books for reading clubs, Core Knowledge materials, online courses, honors and advanced placement (AP) classes, independent studies, dual enrollment college courses, or a summer residence at the Governor's School.
General education teachers, guidance counselors, and school social workers provide additional social-emotional support to TAG students in the general education setting. Additionally, there is discussion about creating additional courses that could lead to obtaining credits for secondary education. The 8 VAC 20-40-60A requires divisional school boards to approve a comprehensive local plan for the education of the gifted that includes the components identified in the regulations. In order to ensure that all gifted students in Alexandria have access to appropriate educational services and resources, it is important that school divisions adhere to the regulations set forth by the Virginia Board of Education. By providing these services and resources to gifted students, they can reach their full potential and be successful in their academic pursuits.
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