Gifted Services for Talent Development

At Austin Public Schools, our mission is to Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate every one of our learners.

The Gifted Services for Talent Development program works to support that mission by recognizing and challenging intellectually gifted and academically talented learners to meet individual academic and affective learning needs.

At Austin Public Schools, our vision is to prepare all learners to make a difference in the world.

The Gifted Services for Talent Development program supports that vision by working to be a leader in providing a rigorous continuum of services for intellectually gifted and academically talented learners and a resource to districts and stakeholders, being the catalyst that will challenge and develop tenacious learners and the staff who persevere to serve them.

All APS students will demonstrate the following core values:

• Responsible:  Demonstrates accountability to self and others
• Resilient:  Develops perseverance and self-confidence
• Learner:  Challenges self to think critically
• Communicator:  Listens actively and shares learning and experiences
• Contributor:  Engages as a productive member of the community and global society

Our district model for instruction is based on a multi-tiered system of supports.

Tier 1: Effective Differentiated Core Instruction (All Students)

All students receive standards-based core instruction in their classrooms. Teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs within their classrooms.

Tier 2: Targeted Enrichment Interventions and Supports (Some Students)

Tier 2 is designed to give additional targeted instruction for students who need enrichment interventions. Examples of this include pull-out/push-in groups that work on math, reading, or critical thinking skills.

Tier 3: Intensive Enrichment Interventions and Supports (A Few Students)

There are a few students who need something different than grade-level curriculum. In these cases, a team collaborates to develop an appropriate plan for the student.

Association for Gifted Children
Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented
Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented
Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth [MITY]: 7th - 11th grade students may apply for 1 of 2 scholarships offered through the Austin Public Schools
Northwestern University Midwest Academic Talent Search [NUMATS]
SENG: Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted
University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program [UMTYMP]: Applicants must take a qualifying exam. Please check the website (http://www.mathcep.umn.edu/umtymp) for information and dates.