Academic Acceleration Policy

Definitions and Terms

The following definitions are provided to assist with the understanding of the text and the programming options delivered by the district.

Definition of Gifted and Talented

As defined by the Iowa Code 257.44, gifted and talented children are those identified as possessing outstanding abilities capable of high performance.  It includes those students with demonstrated achievement or potential in any or the following areas or in combination with one another:

• General intellectual ability

• Creative thinking

• Leadership ability

• Visual and performing arts ability

• Specific ability aptitude (math, science, etc.)

Formal identification of the talented and gifted students in Pleasant Valley occurs during the students’ third grade year.  Thereafter, students identified as talented and gifted will have their programming needs met, monitored, and modified through the provision of a Personalized Education Plan (P.E.P.).
 

Definition of Personalized Education Plan (P.E.P)

A P.E.P. is a planning and programming document designed for students who have been formally identified as gifted.  This document is used throughout the student’s school experiences to articulate needs, plan and provide programming, and document growth.  A P.E.P. is developed by the ELP specialist in collaboration with a student’s regular education teacher(s) and parent(s).
 

Definition of ELP

Extended Learning Programming (ELP) is the district’s vehicle for the provision of services to the gifted and talented students.  It includes collaboration with the classroom teacher for the provision of differentiated instruction, specialized services and extension opportunities to students in the talent pool and personalized education plans and instruction for the highly gifted.
 

Definition of Talent Pool

Talent Pool students are a group of students who meet some of the formal identification criteria and receive enrichment over and above the regular curriculum. Services will be provided based on needs, strengths, or interests of the student.

Definition of ELP
Extended Learning Programming (ELP) is the district’s vehicle for the provision of services to the gifted and talented students.  It includes collaboration with the classroom teacher for the provision of differentiated instruction, specialized services and extension opportunities to students in the talent pool and personalized education plans and instruction for the highly gifted.

Definition of Talent Pool
Talent Pool students are a group of students who meet some of the formal identification criteria and receive enrichment over and above the regular curriculum. Services will be provided based on needs, strengths, or interests of the student.