The Dardanelle Gifted and Talented program is accepting applications for the spring testing cycle. For more information, please contact your child's teacher or Rachelle Brown, District GT Coordinator at (479)229-3707 or rachelle.brown@dardanellelizards.com

The following definition shall guide districts in providing services and opportunities for students identified as gifted and talented:

Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services.

Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment and /or motivation, and creative ability.

Our GT program targets students who meet the state definition of giftedness and who need something different than what their regular classroom environments can offer.  The GT Coordinator and classroom teachers watch for students who display characteristics in their classrooms that would lead them to believe they might need a different approach to education in order to reach their full potential.  When they see those characteristics, they refer the student for further evaluation.  Parents, community members and students themselves are also encouraged to refer students for evaluation.  If a referral is made, parents are notified and permission is requested for testing to begin.  Once permission is granted, the student is given a battery of tests.  The results of those tests are compiled into a portfolio along with grades, standardized testing, observation inventories from classroom teacher and parents, observation notes from the GT Coordinator during enrichment classes and anything else that is seen as relevant for a full understanding of the student's needs.  After portfolios are completed, they are presented to an Identification Team to study and make a recommendation for services.  The team looks for the students who show evidence of needed services.  Although there is no cut off score on any test, typically those students scoring in the top 5-10 percent of their grade on many of the evaluation tools will be the students who are recommended to receive services.  After the team reaches a decision, the parent is notified with the placement recommendation. At that time, if a parent would like a conference to view the portfolio and/or make an appeal, they are encouraged to contact Rachelle Brown, the GT Coordinator, at (479) 229-3707 to set up an appointment.