Gifted Services

Teachers at the early childhood schools rely on a variety of resources to enrich and challenge students who are beginning to show signs of advancement. Teachers communicate regularly with parents about the various enrichment opportunities occurring in the classroom.

Teachers also utilize a classroom structure called “workshop” to allow students to work at different levels within the same classroom. 

First and second grade students who are identified as gifted in either reading or math will be placed in a "cluster group" within a classroom.  That means that groups or "clusters" of 5-10 identified students are placed in the same classroom. Through this model, students are able to work with peers of the similar ability level and teachers, who have received specialized professional development, are able to differentiate for this group within the regular classroom setting. 

Math Plus

Math Plus is a math block that includes grade-level math standards and personalized enrichment provided by a classroom teacher receiving specific professional learning around gifted students. The Gifted Intervention Specialist (GIS) supports the Math Plus teachers with a model curriculum and on occasion, by working with small groups of students.

This identification provides students exposure to their grade-level math curriculum and focuses on extending the breadth and depth of the standards.  Students will apply mathematical concepts to authentic situations and enhance critical and creative thinking through project-based learning. Students may also receive ongoing enrichment in the standards for gifted students outlined by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) in the areas of critical thinking, creative thinking, communication and research.

Students are placed in Math Plus if they have been identified as gifted in math or have a superior cognitive identification. Students will not be moved into the course after the start of the school year. 

ELA Plus

Students may also be grouped or "clustered" in ELA Plus according to their skill level in English Language Arts. Clusters are groups of gifted identified students in reading or who have a superior cognitive identification.

Students will be clustered together in a regular classroom setting to provide them the opportunity to work with peers of a similar ability level to discuss, read and apply literary concepts in ELA.  

Sixth-graders may qualify for Advanced English Language Arts, math, science and social studies, which cover the same grade-level learning standards in greater depth. Advanced Math is a compacted curriculum in which students cover the sixth grade and half of the seventh grade content standards. Families are notified of qualification in the spring or summer of their fifth grade year. 

Visit the sixth grade advanced courses page to view qualification requirements for this enrichment opportunity.

Many advanced, honors, College Credit Plus (CCP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are a part of the Lakota course offerings for every 7-12 student. In some instances, eighth grade students are eligible to take multiple courses for high school credit.

Students in junior high who are either identified as cognitively gifted or identified in all four academic areas will be invited to a small group monthly with a Gifted Student Advisor to focus on these key areas: 

• Social/emotional learning
• Managing stress and anxiety
• College/career readiness
• Interpersonal communication
• Executive functioning
• Real world learning
• Individual supports, as needed

Early graduation is also a form of secondary acceleration.  Please contact your school guidance counselor to find out what programming is available to advanced learners.