In developing a comprehensive program of services for highly able and gifted students, increasing levels of differentiation should be provided to meet student needs. The Service Delivery Options for each level, and the criteria for placement, are addressed in the following pathways. The school level AIG Team will review the referral for each student and use these criteria for selecting those options which best meet a specific student’s needs.

Differentiated Curricula/Instructional Service Delivery

Gaston County Schools’ differentiated curricular service delivery options are designed to accommodate varying degrees of need demonstrated by students. Some students will need to access only one or two service options to be appropriately challenged, while others will need more intense differentiation. Differentiated Education Plans (DEPs) will be written for those students demonstrating a need for differentiation beyond regular education. Appropriate opportunities for acceleration at each level are available and consistent with school system policies. For the in-class flexible grouping, no formal identification will take place. Teachers will group students flexibly for instruction using the Gaston County Schools policy for such grouping.

K-1 Elementary Criteria/Service Delivery Options: At the kindergarten and first grade level, the continuum of services will include:

     In-class flexible grouping for reading and mathematics
     Cluster grouping within class or grade level for students needing advanced instruction in reading/language arts and/or mathematics
     Content/subject acceleration in reading/language arts and/or mathematics grade acceleration
     Early entrance to kindergarten
     AIG resource services for students who demonstrate a need for content/subject or grade acceleration

2- 5 Elementary Criteria/Service Delivery Options: For second through fifth grades, the continuum of services will include:

     In-class flexible grouping for reading and mathematics
     Cluster grouping within class or grade level for reading/language arts and/or mathematics
     Academically and intellectually gifted enrichment services provided by the AIG teacher
     Content acceleration in reading/language arts and/or mathematics
     Grade acceleration

6-8 Middle School Criteria/Service Delivery Options: At the middle school level, the continuum of services will include:

     In-class flexible grouping
     Advanced language arts classes at each grade level
     Advanced mathematics classes in sixth and seventh grade
     NC Math 1 in eighth grade or Advanced mathematics class in eighth grade
     Content acceleration
     Grade level acceleration

9-12 High School Criteria/Service Delivery Options: At the high school level, the continuum of services will include:

     Self Selected Honors courses
     Advanced Placement Preparatory courses
     Advanced Placement courses
     College Gateway courses
     North Carolina Virtual School courses
     Gaston Virtual Academy
     Gaston Early College High School
     Dual Enrollment at local community college
     Independent studies
     Mentorships