The Gifted and Talented Program at Lake County is offered through multiple pathways for students depending upon the grade level. All students identified as Gifted and Talented have an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP). An ALP is a map for educators, parents, and students to better understand and meet the needs of identified gifted learners. The Lake County School District (LCSD) GT Coordinator works directly with the parents, students, and teachers of identified gifted learners, to develop the ALP. Additionally, each identified student receives social emotional support, and is also given attention to unique learning needs, as is necessary, and according to individual student.
Lake County Elementary School: Grades Kindergarten – 5th grade. At the early ages, the emphasis is on monitoring students, as we look for signs of giftedness backed by stringent assessment. It may take some time to accurately identify a student. Most students who are identified as Gifted and Talented in LCSD receive that designation in 2nd grade or beyond and have a significant Body of Evidence to support that identification. When identified, these students receive programming based on individual needs. Students who are identified in this grade range have individual needs addressed in an Advanced Learning Plan.
Lake County High School: Jr. High, Grades 6 – 8 ; High School, Grades 9 – 12 . Students in Jr. High are served through accelerated learning, extension work, and individual differentiation. Students at the High School are served through advanced programming that includes accelerated classes, college courses taken at Colorado Mountain College, advanced placement classes (AP) and even independent studies where warranted.
Parent Resources:
- Mountain BOCES website
- Colorado Department of Education Gifted Education Website
- Colorado Department of Education Early Access for Highly Advanced Gifted Children Under the Age of 6
- Lake County School District Gifted & Talented Parent Handbook
- Manual para padres en Español
- Glossary of GT Terms
- Twelve Traits of Giftedness
Educator Resources:
Differentiation Websites:
- ASCD Differentiated Instruction
- Article by Carol Ann Tomlinson- Mapping a Route Toward Differentiated Instruction
- ASCD Six Strategies for Challenging Gifted Learners
- Menu Strategy: Choice Boards, Menu, and Tic-Tac-Toe
For referrals, questions, or more information:
Please contact the LCSD GT coordinator Cheryl Talbot. ctalbot@lakecountyschools.net