Gifted & Talented
The gifted and talented middle school is based on the belief that all students possess gifts and talents that need to be identified, valued, nurtured, and rewarded. The gifted and talented program addresses the gifts and talents of all students, so there are no performance measures, auditions, or tests that must be passed before students are accepted into the school.
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The gifted and talented middle school curriculum model promotes choice for parents and students. It provides students with options and alternatives for learning and is designed to accommodate varying strengths, needs, and interests. These schools are organized into teams in which two to five teachers assume joint responsibility for the instructional program for a group of students.
The curriculum is divided into two components: core curriculum and electives. Students spend four periods each day in the core areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In three periods they explore new areas of interest or study a particular area in depth in elective courses. Students may choose electives in the following areas: language arts, social studies, math, science, health, physical education, computer studies, art, music, drama, dance, vocational education, foreign language, and media.
Students with outstanding strengths in one or more areas may take AG selected elective courses. This includes (but is not limited to) state-identified academically gifted students. In two schools (Carnage and Ligon) the Academically Gifted (AG) Basics Program is available. (Please refer to the AG description). At Martin Middle School, academically gifted students are grouped together for instruction in language arts and math. Carnage Middle and Zebulon Middle offer additional electives written in the areas of math, science, and technology.