Gifted and Talented Education Notice
Gifted and talented students are those who demonstrate exceptional ability in academic or creative fields compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require specialized services beyond what is typically offered in a regular school program. Gifted students can be found across all populations, economic backgrounds, and areas of interest.
Referral Process
Students can be referred for gifted services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, guardians, peers, the student themselves, or any individual who has knowledge of the student’s abilities. In addition, all second-grade students will be observed for potential gifted referral through a gifted behavior checklist.
Areas of Assessment
For each student referred, information is gathered in three key areas:
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Aptitude
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Characteristics
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Performance
The results from these assessments are entered into a matrix, where points are assigned based on established criteria. The total points earned will determine whether a student qualifies for gifted services.
Contact Information
For more information about gifted and talented services, please contact the Gifted and Talented Education/Special Services Coordinator at 334-315-0106.
Help Child Find Locate Children With Disabilities
What is Child Find?
Child Find is a statewide initiative led by the State Department of Education and the Department of Rehabilitation Services to identify, locate, and assess children with disabilities, ages birth through 21. If you know of a child with or suspected of having a disability, contact the Office of Special Education for more information on available services at (334) 315-0106.
How Does Child Find Operate?
Child Find works in collaboration with Early Intervention and Special Education Services, community agencies, parents, and local school systems to identify children with disabilities. A toll-free helpline is available for parents and others to learn how to refer a child (birth to 21).
Why is Child Find Important?
Child Find ensures that children with disabilities—whether identified or not—have access to the services and support they need to succeed. Early identification and intervention are crucial in addressing developmental and learning challenges. By connecting families with resources, Child Find helps improve a child’s educational outcomes and overall well-being. It promotes equality by ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, have access to educational opportunities that help them reach their full potential.
Contact Information:
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1-800-392-8020 – For children ages 3-21
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1-800-543-3098 – For children birth to 2 years
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1-800-548-2546 – TTY (Text Telephone)
SECTION 504
What is Section 504?
Section 504 is a critical piece of civil rights legislation aimed at protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination. The primary goal of Section 504 is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access and opportunities in all areas of public life, including education, employment, and other federally funded programs.
What is meant by "substantial limitation"?
A "substantial limitation" refers to a condition where an individual:
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Is unable to perform a major life activity that an average person in the general population can perform.
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Is significantly restricted in the way, manner, or duration in which they can perform a major life activity, compared to the average person.
Who is considered handicapped under Section 504?
Under Section 504, a "handicapped person" is defined as someone who:
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Has a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities.
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Has a history of such an impairment.
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Is regarded as having such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability.
What are major life activities?
Major life activities are basic functions essential to daily living, including:
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Caring for oneself
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Performing manual tasks
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Walking
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Seeing
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Hearing
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Speaking
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Breathing
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Learning
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Working