Gifted education program offers specially designed classes for eligible students

    Through the Gifted Education Program, Dodge City schools silently sculpt future community leaders.
    More than 250 elementary, middle school and high school-level gifted students have been attending classes specially designed for them this school year.
    To identify gifted students, a comprehensive study of the student is coordinated by a student improvement team in each school, said Ann Adrian, gifted-student consultant for Dodge City Public Schools. This determines the student's eligibility for gifted education.
    Then, Adrian said, a profile of the student's individual strengths and needs is developed to provide appropriate intervention in the student's learning. The assessment measure diverse abilities, skills and talents.
    "Identified gifted students work under an individualized education plan, which meets each student's needs," Adrian said. "These kinds of students work in small groups or individually with the gifted facilitator to meet their IEP goals."
    Generally, gifted fifth- and sixth-grade students work in weekly classes of around 15. Middle school and high school students have the option to meet daily, but most gather in a general classroom, Adrian said.
    Gifted students, as opposed to regular students, receive advanced instruction based on the general curriculum. The students have individual study plans based on their academic strengths, Adrian said.
    "Another difference is that the gifted learner not only understands ideas, but also constructs abstractions," she said. "They not only complete assignments but also initiate projects, and they not only know the answers but also ask the questions."
    Adrian said because most gifted students attend college after high school, several preparatory activities for post-secondary education are developed. Not only do the students develop a personal plan for future careers, they are encouraged to become involved with the community.
    Students are instructed how to use their skills to help society as a whole, said Janie Mock and Susan Finley, gifted education teachers at Comanche Intermediate Center. Gifted students also start exploring the different opportunities available for them as future candidates.
    Gifted students are also assessed to participate in summer enrichment classes. For example, this summer many of them will attend a French course.
    Adrian said gifted education teachers must have a master's degree in the field, because only appropriate qualified personnel can provide the services to gifted learners.
    "Our goal for the 2008-2009 school year is to better integrate gifted education services into the general program, as well as provide the best individualized services to gifted students," she said.
    Yeju Hwang and Steven Bartel, both 11, are fifth-grade gifted students.
    Hwang said she eventually wanted to be a lawyer like her father.
    "I find these classes challenging and enjoyable when I am working with puzzles and the Power Point program on the computer," she said.
    Bartel said he wanted to be a mechanical engineer, since he already likes working on car engines. His father, a mechanic, has already introduced Bartel to car engines, he said.
    "Math and language are also favorite topics," he said. "But in my classes, I like working the most on projects by using the computer."