Gifted & Talented

Mission

The mission of gifted education is to maximize the potential of gifted and talented students by providing programs and services that match the unique characteristics and needs of these students.

Nick LaFave

Nick LaFave

Personalized Learning Instructional Specialist

803-810-8089

Email

Program Goals

  • Provide differentiated curriculum at a pace and complexity appropriate for gifted learners

  • Provide opportunities to develop skills of critical and creative thinking and problem solving 

  • Provide guidance in research and independent studies

Program Model

Students in grades three through eight, who have been identified as academically gifted, receive services using the state-approved special class or pull-out class model.

These students are served in language arts and/or math. 

Both program models reflect acceleration and enrichment opportunities through differentiated instruction that is over and beyond the core curriculum. Gifted and talented instruction does include higher-order thinking skills to expand the state standards.

Gifted Students: Who are They?

The following description of the identification process reflects the South Carolina definition of gifted and talented and is in keeping with the National Excellence Report (1995) which states:

Children and youth with outstanding talent perform or show the potential for performing at remarkable high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment.

These children and youth exhibit high performance capability in intellectual, creative, and/or artistic areas, possess an unusual leadership capacity, or excel in specific academic fields. They require services or activities not ordinarily provided by the schools.

Outstanding talents are present in children and youth from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. 

Characteristics of Gifted Students

  • Learn easily and rapidly

  • Think clearly, recognize implied relationships and comprehend meanings

  • Read above grade level

  • Retain information read without appearing to need much rote or drill

  • Possess a large vocabulary

  • Exhibit independence, individualism, and self-sufficiency

  • Demonstrate a curious and investigative nature

  • Ask penetrating, searching questions

  • Focus intently on areas of interest

  • Produce original products or ideas

  • Prefer complex ideas

Identification Process

Gifted and talented students may be found within any racial, ethnic, or socio-economic group, within both genders, and within populations with disabilities. Identification is a multi-step process, which consists of referral, screening and assessment of eligibility by a district evaluation and placement team.  

The State of South Carolina has established three dimensions of giftedness as criteria for placement in the academically gifted program. In order to qualify for placement in gifted and talented programs, students must meet the eligibility criteria in two of the three dimensions.

Referral Process

The following information provides an overview of the referral, screening, and identification process used by the Clover School District to determine student eligibility.

Parents, with students who have demonstrated ability or potential for academic excellence, may refer their child(ren) for screening by completing a referral form that is available at local school offices or by clicking the link below. Administrators and teachers may also refer students. Referral forms are due annually on dates listed in the GT brochure and sent annually to parents and students in grades 2-7.

Screening

Screening will begin in the fall and continue throughout the school year. Students who participate in screening and are eligible for gifted and talented services will be placed the following school year.

Letters will be mailed to students who qualify in late June/early July.

All second grade students will participate in census testing for the purpose of identification for the academically gifted program. This testing will take place in the fall. No referrals are necessary for second grade students unless they move into the district after the fall testing.

Refer a Student for GT Testing
CSD Gifted & Talented Flyer 2024
GT - Removal Request Form

Identification Criteria

Students who meet the eligibility criteria in two of the three dimensions are eligible for gifted and talented services. Aptitude test results alone can qualify a student for placement (see Dimension A above).

Parents are notified by letter when a student qualifies for gifted services. All parents and students in grades 2-7 annually receive a GT informational flyer in August/September in the beginning of the year packets. 

ST-ARTS (Special Talent in the Arts)

GT Artistic ST-ARTS Flyer - Summer 2025

Click Here to Apply Online

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024