Students are gifted when they perform, or show potential for performing, remarkably high levels of accomplishment in learning rate, depth of knowledge, and reasoning and problem-solving abilities when compared with others of their age, experience, and environment. Students who are gifted demonstrate significantly advanced cognitive abilities. (Alberta Education, 2004)
Children who are gifted have exceptional learning needs at school, in the community, and at home. Children who may be gifted are assessed in order to better understand their learning, social, and emotional needs. Schools require evidence of a child's special needs, including giftedness, in order to provide an appropriate school program.
Identification and Assessment of Gifted Learners
Within the Calgary Board of Education, gifted learners are identified by the coordinated efforts of the school personnel, the child's parents, and an assessment by a psychologist. The information gathered in this process determines when a student meets the criteria as outlined by Alberta Education for consideration as a gifted learner.
To find out more about how to access psychological services at your child's CBE school, please contact the school Principal.
For parents of children who do not currently attend a CBE school often the services of a psychologist in private practice are required in order to determine, through assessment, whether their child meets the Alberta Education criteria to be considered a gifted learner.
Opportunities for Gifted Learners within the CBE
Once a student has been identified as a gifted learner, the school will develop and implement an Individual Program Plan (IPP) designed to address the student's exceptional learning characteristics. (The IPP is a requirement of Alberta Education for all Special Education designations, including Giftedness.)
Students identified with gifted learning needs may seek access to a wide array of school programs within the CBE, including:
Their designated CBE community or neighbourhood school
CBE Alternative Programs
Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE)
Your CBE Community or Neighbourhood School
Many gifted learners attend their designated CBE community schoolwhere their exceptional learning needs are addressed through their Individual Program Plan (IPP). To find out more about the designated community school for your neighbourhood, refer to Schools Designation by Residential District and Grade.
CBE Alternative Programs
Several of the CBE Alternative Programs (Program Choices) address the exceptional interests and skills of gifted learners.
Examples of Alternative Programs include (but are not restricted to):
Fine & Performing Arts Programs
Immersion and International Language Programs
Montessori
Sports Alternative Programs
Science Schools
Traditional Learning Centres
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Many gifted learners are also eligible for a Special Education placement within the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program. Gifted students within the congregated, grades 4 – 12, GATE Program are offered an array of curriculum opportunities also designed to meet their diverse needs, interests, and abilities, including (but not restricted to):
the opportunity to participate in a challenging curriculum
interaction with like-minded peers
the opportunity to explore areas of particular interest through independent research
curriculum compacting or acceleration, when appropriate
Priority to completing any paperwork the GATE eligibility required should be thoroughly understood. There is a great deal of work and thought that goes into a GATE Program placement application and it is very important be clear that your child meets the eligibility criteria.
For the academic school year, the deadline for GATE placement applications is prior to January 31st. GATE has a limited number of openings for new students each year and submitting a complete and timely application will ensure priority in the placement process.
The student’s residential address determines which GATE school site students will be placed. Please refer to the GATE General Information Document to learn more about the designated GATE Program school site for your neighbourhood.
Parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend the GATE Program Public Information Sessions offered at each GATE school site. Attached is a copy of GATE school, sites, locations and time for information sessions GATE Program Public Information Sessions.
online articles and online links to websites about Gifted Education
weekend and summer camps for gifted children
workshops for parents
counselling for families and gifted children
Sometimes it is helpful for parents to talk with other parents about Gifted Education and opportunities for their children. The GATE Parents' Association Website has helpful information for parents about the CBE GATE Education.
For further information about Gifted Education within the CBE, please contact your CBE school Principal or designate, or contact Special Education Department.
Content Moderator: S. Arteaga
Last Modified:
November 24, 2009
