Gifted And Talented
Overview
US Department of Education: Gifted learners are children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment.
Arkansas Department of Education: 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.
VBSD GATE Mission Statement
The faculty of the Van Buren School District Gifted and Talented Program believe that:
*Giftedness must be encouraged and nurtured
*Students require differentiated educational options to develop skills
*Students need guidance with their unique social and emotional needs
Our Philosophy
The ultimate goal of the GATE program is to provide an environment in which all students may have the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. We believe that diverse instructional strategies and environments can improve and expand learning. We believe the curriculum and school experience should address the breadth, depth, complexity, and pace of learning needed by individual students as well as their special interests and talents. The program will provide opportunites for the intellectually, academically, and creatively talented whose abilities, needs, interests, and readiness require a learning program differentiated from that of their peers. The emphasis of the program is on experiences and learning that will prepare students to be effective, actualize, contributing members of our community and of society.
