Gifted Program
In addition to students with special needs, the Tuscaloosa City Schools Special Education Department is also responsible for offering services for students who qualify for gifted services as outlined by the Alabama Administrative Code (AAC).
Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at or have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Gifted students may be found within any race, ethnicity, gender, economic class, or nationality, In addition, some students with disabilities may be gifted.The Tuscaloosa City School System shall prohibit discrimination against any student on the above bases with respect to his/her participation in the gifted program.
How Does A Student Become Eligible for Gifted Services?
Procedures are in place to ensure that students who exhibit gifted characteristics are referred for gifted services. These include: public notice, equity to ensure that efforts are made to identify students among all populations and socio-economic groups, Second Grade Child Find and standard referrals made by teachers, counselors, administrators and parents/guardians. Parents must be informed when students are referred.
Does My Child’s School Offer Gifted Services?
Student’s grades 3 – 5 receive gifted services in their neighborhood school. Middle School and High School students are offered enriched levels of learning in the honors and /or advanced classes.
Who May I Contact to Obtain More Information Concerning Gifted Services?
Please contact Dr. Bruce Prescott, Director of Special Education by calling 205-342-0507, via fax at 205-759-3551, or by email.