Gifted and talented students are identified based on Littleton Public Schools’ identification criteria. Programming for these students is available through academic and exploratory options for 6th and 7th grade, and an academic option for 8th grade. The G/T program is designed to address the holistic needs of students: academic, creative, and social-emotional.
Gifted and talented services respond to individual student needs through a variety of options:
All students consult with the G/T facilitator to discuss courses of study and individual needs. School-wide and CORE enrichment and extension opportunities are designed to stimulate student interest and can be expanded through independent study. Students are encouraged to collaborate with CORE teachers and the G/T Facilitator to customize curricular options.
Seventh grade exploratory classes allow students with similar interests and abilities to work together one period each day. Students can choose to substitute a G/T exploratory for one regularly scheduled exploratory each quarter. There are four different exploratory classes available: Architecture, Biographies (Images of Greatness), Science, In-depth study.
7th and 8th Grade Advanced Language Artsis available for students with high achievement in reading and writing. These classes are taught by core teachers, as well as the GT Facilitator.
Math acceleration is available at all grade levels. Students qualify for advanced placement math based on multiple criteria including, achievement test scores, skills inventories, teacher recommendation, and pretests.
Language Arts Seminar is an honors level language arts class which replaces the core language arts class. Students may audition for eighth grade Language Arts Seminar at the end of their seventh grade year.
Local and regional contests and competitions are scheduled throughout the year to provide a forum for individual talents, creativity, and academic skills. Many GT students find outlets for their creativity and intellectual curiosity through extra-curricular activities such as school sponsored clubs, sports, and leadership opportunities. Music, drama, and technology, address the creative and talent needs of many GT students.
The G/T facilitator works with students to personalize and customize the options for their middle school experience. Working together with parents, the G/T facilitator, administration staff and counselors, students are encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek assistance from this team for deeper learning opportunities when they are able to demonstrate mastery of skills and content in a specific subject. EMS teachers have been trained in differentiated instruction and will accommodate students in order to further their learning, academic achievement and acceleration.