Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted Services

Academically or intellectually gifted (AIG) students perform or show potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

To meet the academic needs of gifted students, the Buncombe County Public Schools local plan for Academically/ Intellectually Gifted education works to:

  1. Identify, through the use of multiple criteria, students who need differentiated services. Criteria considered are:

    1. Student achievement

    2. Student interest

    3. Student motivation to learn

    4. Student aptitude

    5. Student performance

    6. Observable student behaviors

  2. Provide an array of services at each grade level to meet the needs of gifted students.

    1. K-2 services are available based on a recommendation by the classroom teacher in collaboration with the AIG Teacher. This program is called “Problem Solvers”.

    2. In grades 3-6, students are cluster grouped with other AIG students in a heterogeneous class. They are also offered an enrichment class, taught by the AIG Teacher, 45-60 minutes per week. Students in this phase of the AIG program have demonstrated a definite need for a differentiated curriculum.

    3. In grades 7 and 8, students are in subject-grouped classes for Language Arts and Math. Students in these classes have demonstrated a definite need for a differentiated curriculum. Students also receive direct instruction from the AIG Specialist in a separate setting 45-60 minutes per week.

    4. In grades 9-12 students are encouraged to take Honors and/or Advanced Placement Classes.

All students are screened yearly using End-of-Grade scores. The majority of students are evaluated for the AIG program in the fall of each school year. However, nominations may be made at any time during the school year as a need arises.