Gifted Education

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) supports Gifted Education in elementary, middle, and high school. This program enables gifted students to develop their exceptional intellectual abilities and prepare them to live in a future with expanding opportunities. The program is based on cognitive and academic criteria, and follows the mandates described in Chapter 16 of Pennsylvania Public School Code. Through experiences with peers & professionals and a stimulating curriculum, students with gifts and talents will extend their knowledge and understanding, appreciate new perspectives, clarify their interests and goals, and develop a positive self-concept.

Identification

Students in second through 5th grade are screened at multiple set points throughout the year using STAR assessments and curricular averages. Those students meeting criteria are eligible to move on in the gifted screening process, potentially involving above-level curricular and cognitive assessments. The Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 16 regulations define “mentally gifted” as:

“Outstanding intellectual and creative ability the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.”

A student who is identified as gifted must demonstrate the need for specially designed instruction above and beyond the general education curriculum.  Once identified as having a need, the Gifted Multi-Disciplinary Team (GMDT) will meet to develop a plan to enrich or accelerate the student's instructional program outlined in a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP).