Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
The purpose of the accelerated and enriched instruction program is to extend each child’s
intellectual boundaries and help students achieve their highest potential. Special
emphasis is placed on addressing the cognitive and affective needs of high-achieving and
potentially high-achieving students exhibiting a broad spectrum of abilities and talents.
In middle school, every effort is made to place all students at a level that will be
challenging to them. The school follows the outlined county policy for the identification
and grouping of students for honors curriculum instruction. The Gifted and Talented
(GT) Coordinator facilitates special activities and opportunities for enriched instruction.
Initial questions regarding honors program should be directed to the counseling
department.
Gifted and Talented (GT) programs and instruction offer differentiated studies for highly
able and potentially high-achieving students who are capable or motivated to pursue
rigorous and challenging instruction. This programming provides content and
instruction that match the students’ abilities, achievement levels, and interest. Students
receiving GT programming are expected to maintain at least a "B" average. Students
who receive a grade of "C" at the end of the first marking period are counseled about
ways to improve their performance. They should be supported in that effort by school
staff and parents. Students who receive a grade of "D" or "E" over two consecutive
marking periods will be transferred to a regular class.
Criteria for Enrollment in GT Courses
We urge all students who have the capability or potential to accept the challenge of GT
instruction to take advantage of these opportunities. Each year we convene our school’s GT
Review Committee for the purpose of reviewing the participation of students in gifted and
talented programming in order to implement the Policy on Gifted and Talented Education
and the accompanying regulation. This multi-stakeholder committee may include guidance
counselors, teachers, representative interdisciplinary resource teachers, and staff who have
expertise in the special needs. This committee will document the strengths that each student
brings to GT work and recommend a plan for outreach, nurturing, and support of potential
candidates. A profile of student strength is determined through a review of the following
multiple criteria:
1. Mastery of course prerequisites (Grade of A, B, or C)
2. Parent/Guardian recommendations
3. Standardized test scores, as appropriate
4. Willingness to complete challenging assignments
5. Student interest or motivation
6. Teacher/Counselor recommendations
7. Work samples and portfolios
§ No single criterion is to be used to exclude a student from pursuing GT programs.
Review Process
Students who are not recommended for GT programs, but who still wish to be considered,
should appeal in writing to the principal for a special review within ten school days of
notification.
AEIST Coordinators
Please contact Sharon Earle and Jane Lindsay (Sharon_M_Earle@mcpsmd.org / Jane_M_Lindsay@mcpsmd.org) for additional information.