Sheffield City Schools

(Public Notice) 

A gifted and talented program is provided for identified students attending Sheffield City schools.  

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. (Alabama Administrative Code (AAC), 29-8-9.12

A student may be referred for consideration for gifted services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents and guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of 
the student's abilities. Additionally, all second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using
the state requirements for second-grade child find. 

For each student referred, information is gathered in three areas: 

• Aptitude- Aptitude should be assessed through an individual or group test of intelligence or creativity. 
• Characteristics- A behavior rating scale designed to assess gifted behaviors. 
• Performance- At least three indicators of performance at a gifted level must be submitted. These may include, but are not limited to, achievement test scores, grades, products, work samples, and/or portfolios. 

 Eligibility for gifted services will be determined by the total score received on the ALSDE-approved Gifted Eligibility/Screening Determination Form: The Matrix. 

Direct services are provided for grades 3-6. Indirect services are provided for grades 7-12. All second graders are screened as potential gifted referrals. Consultative services for differentiated instruction are provided for K-12 teachers to meet the learning needs of gifted students and/or those who exhibit
gifted characteristics. 

To make a referral, you may contact the Director of Student Services at the Sheffield Board of Education or the gifted specialist for Sheffield City Schools. 

In accordance with the Alabama Administrative Code, gifted students in SHEFFIELD CITY are served as follows: 

• GRADES K-2: Accommodations are made in the general education classroom with assistance from the gifted specialist as necessay. 
• GRADES 3-5/6: Gifted students are pulled from the regular classroom to attend the gifted resource room for three (3) to five (5) hours per week. 
• GRADES 6/7-8: Gifted students are enrolled in at least one advanced course, includeing Pre-Advanced Placement and electives. 
• GRADES 9-12: Gifted students are served through advanced courses (Advance Placement and Pre-AP), electives, dual enrollment (where available), career/college counseling, mentorships, and independent study.

A student may be referred for consideration for gifted services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities. Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist. For each student referred, information is gathered in the following three areas: 

• Aptitude- Aptitude should be assessed through an individual or group test of intelligence or creativity
• Characteristics- A behavior rating scale designed to assess gifted behaviors is completed by a classroom teacher
• Performance- At least three indicators of performance at a gifted level must be submitted. These may include, but are not limited to, achievement test scores, grades, products, work samples, and/or portfolios. 

The scores from the assessments/items used ar entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.