PROGRAMMING FOR THE GIFTED

Gifted education for each gifted student is based on the unique needs of the student, not solely on the student’s classification. Gifted education for gifted students enables them to participate in acceleration or enrichment programs, or both, as appropriate, and to receive services according to their intellectual and academic abilities and needs. These opportunities may go beyond the program that the student would receive as part of a general education. Gifted is defined as outstanding intellectual and creative ability that requires specially designed instruction or support services, or both, that may not ordinarily be provided in the regular education program. A student eligible for gifted support services has the opportunity to participate in any available program offerings. The gifted identification does not preclude the student from any regular education programming including academies and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI).The District has and will continue to provide gifted support for eligible students meeting PA guideline requirements. Students designated as gifted have a Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP) that includes annual goals and short-term objectives as well as specially designed instruction and support services. Gifted education enables students to participate in accelerated and/or enrichment programs, and to receive services according to their intellectual and academic abilities and needs.

HONORS PROGRAM

Honors classes in selected subjects receive .1 weighting and are offered in the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. To remain in an Honors class, a student must maintain a B average. Very few students have difficulty maintaining this standard. However, if a student cannot maintain this average during the first semester, he/she may be transferred to the corresponding course developed for the college-bound student. If the student’s final average in an Honors subject falls below a B, he/she will not be permitted to continue in the honors class of that subject the following year and will not receive the extra .1 weighting.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

Advanced Placement classes receive .2 weighting and are offered in selected subjects. To remain in an Advanced Placement class, a student must maintain a B average. Very few Advanced Placement students have difficulty maintaining this standard. Students who are not able to maintain this average during the first semester, may be transferred to the corresponding course developed for the college-bound student

All students in an Advanced Placement course must take the Advanced Placement Examination of the College Entrance Examination Board in that course to receive Advanced Placement weighted credit. Students will not have to pay for the cost of the AP examination. A high score in an Advanced Placement examination, in addition to a high level of achievement in the high school Advanced Placement course, may allow a student to qualify for a higher level college course and/or credit. Examinations are given in May and are three hours in length. The students’ score(s) are sent to them, to their high school, and to a college of their choice. A teacher endorsement is required for a student selecting an Advanced Placement course.