HCPS Levels of Service
HCPS uses a program called “Levels of Service” created by Dr. Donald Treffinger and implemented successfully in Fairfax Public Schools, VA. This program uses a series of approaches based on the abilities and interests of students. It holds true to Harford County’s belief that all students have gifts and talents, but recognizes there are different intensities of need.
Level 1-These are opportunities for all students such as fieldtrips, assemblies, and foundational skills that are taught in the classroom. The Primary Education Thinking Skills Program (PETS) will be used at this level to help nurture gifted students in grade K-2.
Level 2-These are occasional services for many students which allow for challenge opportunities and extended learning experiences. The enrichment teacher will visit classrooms and demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills.
Level 3-These services will be consistent for some gifted and talented students who have been identified for service based on need. They may include flexible cluster grouping for mathematics and/or reading. Research-based advanced level curricular programs such as Junior Great Books for reading or Project M3 for mathematics may be used at this level. Advanced Placement and Honors are included at this level for high school students.
Level 4-This is a highly challenging, intensive service for few students who show exceptional talents and academic gifts. Type III projects and magnet programs are included at this level.
Identification Process
Gifted and Talented services may begin with early entrance to kindergarten or first grade. At the end of second grade, the school’s Gifted & Talented Services Committee convenes to evaluate student data and prescribe services for Level 3 and 4 services in third grade. During this time, the committee also reviews the achievement of students currently receiving services and determines if they are a best match for their current needs. This is an important point since services are fluid. The level of service a student receives may change from year to year in accordance with their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will services be prescribed to students?
Schools will use all available data as well as teacher recommendations to prescribe servics that are a best match for each student's needs. This information will be reviewed by a committee within the school.
Do schools provide servics for K-2 students?
Eligible K and 1 students can be prescribed early entrance which is a Level 4 service. Additionally, all K-2 students receive enrichment opportunities such as our PETS Program- Primary Education Thinking Skills. PETS curriculum may be implemented by classroom or GT resource teachers and provides students with experiences in critical and creative problem solving. During K-2, the interests and abilities of each child are assessed for programs that begin in third grade. Some students are offered Level 4 acceleration opportunities in the Kindergarten, First, or Second Grade years.
Why do some schools have a full-time G&T teacher?
G&T teachers are distributed to each school based on the school’s total population. Some schools made a decision to decrease a position in order to increase the time they have with the G&T teacher.
How are G&T teachers selected?
Any Harford County teacher that has at least five years successful experience in the classroom can be selected. Maryland does offer a certification for G&T Specialists. Many of our GT teachers are seeking this certificate or are pursuing it as part of masters or Masters plus 30 coursework. Additionally, the HCPS Coordinator of Accelerated Learning Programs oversees professional development for all GT teachers to ensure alignment with state GT Specialist certificate requirements and NAGC gifted education programming standards.
Why is there no G&T Curriculum?
One curriculum could not meet the needs of all students. By extending and enriching the existing curricular programs, students can be more specifically served.
How can my child be receiving services if they are no seen by the G&T teacher?
Consistent services are most frequently delivered by the classroom teacher with support and training from the GT resource teacher. The G&T teacher works in a collaborative role in the classroom to support this effort or in a consultative role to advise the teacher on how to meet students’ needs.
Websites:
The Davidson Young Scholars Program provides FREE services designed to nurture and support profoundly gifted young people.
Gifted students interested in a challenging academic summer program should consider attending the Davidson THINK Summer Institute on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno.
This intense three-week residential summer program offers exceptionally gifted 13 to 16 year old students the opportunity to earn up to six transferable college credits.