BMMS Gifted Program Overview

  • The Gifted Department at BMMS is charged with providing rigorous, high-quality academics tailored to meet the needs of individual learners. Just as students requiring Special Education Services have individualized supports and enhancements, so to, do students requiring Gifted Services. Each gifted learner has unique abilities, talents and interests. As such, an individualized program is indicated.

    Instruction
    Instruction in three academic areas are offered as Gifted Classes at BMMS: Language Arts, Social Studies and Science. There is also an accelerated Math course that may meet the needs of some gifted learners. All of these courses are taught by gifted-certified instructors who are specialists in their field and have earned an additional certification endorsement.

    Identification
    Not only do we strive to nurture and develop the potential in all of our gifted students, but also, we make every effort to identify students who may be gifted but are not yet in the program. Observations from teachers and parents are vital in the identification process. We also use standardized test scores and academic records to identify potentially gifted learners.

    Certification
    Currently, there are many gifted-certified teachers at BMMS, some are teaching a gifted course and others are not. One of Bennett's Mill Middle School's goals is to have all teachers gifted-certified. This will greatly enhance our identification processes and will provide all teachers with additional skills and knowledge to meet the needs of gifted learners that are in non-gifted courses. Until that time, professional development is offered to increase knowledge of what makes a learner gifted and how to best meet their individual needs.


    My child is already in the Gifted Program. What do I need to know?

    Current Class Information
    Information about classes and the progress your child is making can best be found by contacting the individual teacher. A list of faculty names and email is found here.

    Continuation of Eligibility
    BMMS follows the Fayette County continuation policy for gifted students. Requirements for classroom performance and eligibility are found here.


    I think my child may be gifted. Now what?

    First, thank you for being an advocate for your child. Parents are an integral part of the identification process for the Gifted Program. Second, review this information about gifted learners vs high-achievers. Gifted students may be high-achieving, but all are not. Conversely, high-achievers may be gifted, but all are not.

    Parent request for gifted assessment. Please print this form, fill it in and return to school, attn: Gifted Department, Mary Beth Grabhorn.

    What are the tests my child will be taking and what are they for?

    These are the tests your child may take:

    • The ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) measures development of a student’s skills and their ability to think critically. Students are measured against their peers.
    • The CogAt (Cognitive Abilities Test) measures a student’s reasoning and problem solving abilities using verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal (spatial) symbols.
    • The Torrance (Figural Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking) measures creativity.
    • GPA (grade point average) is used to determine a student’s level of motivation.



    My child was tested and I would like additional information about interpreting the scores. Who can help?

    Please contact the Gifted Department Chair, Alyson Boyles.



    Resources for gifted students and their parents:

    Click here for a page of links to resources.

     

    What if the Gifted Program proves to be unsuitable for my child?

    Withdrawal from the program is a simple matter and can be initiated by parents. Contact your student’s teacher or school counselor to withdraw your student from the program. Students may re-enter the program at the beginning of any semester without re-evaluation if they meet performance requirements of the Continuation Policy at the time of the re-entry request. Re-entry occurs only at the beginning of a semester.

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