Gifted Programs and Eligibility Information for January 2024

To learn more about our gifted programs, visit the LCPS Gifted Department page HERE.

3rd Grade Students

All third grade students will be evaluated for possible gifted services unless parents/guardiants opt-out.  If you would like to submit an opt-out form, one can be found on HERE under the Notifications tab.  During several 3rd grade SEARCH lessons, students will complete a portfolio of work samples that are reviewed as part of the evaluation process.  Prior to these portfolio lessons, students will have Talent Development lessons that provide exposure and time to practice the types of skills useful during the portfolio lessons.  Eligibility decisions will be delivered by early June 2024, with services starting in the fall of 4th grade.  For more information regarding the process, please review this video HERE from The Gifted Department.

4th and 5th Grade Students

If you would like to submit a gifted referral for a student in 4th or 5th grade, please contact Brenna Becker..  Referrals can be accepted from January 2-26, 2024.  Referrals may not be emailed as hard copies are needed.  No referrals will be accepted after January 24, 2024.  For more information regarding the process, please review this video HERE from the Gifted Department.

Referral Form in English

Referral Form in Spanish

The Loudoun County SEARCH (Seeking Educational Alternatives to Reach and Challenge Higher Level Thinking Skills) program focuses on thinking skills and is designed to foster a classroom environment that encourages students to develop an excitement for learning and discovery. SEARCH teachers work within the classroom to stimulate curiosity, practice problem-solving strategies, incorporate cooperative learning activities, provide opportunities for students to use higher level thinking skills, and identify students with exceptional ability.

During the lessons, the primary classroom teacher makes observations to gain insight into students' various skills, strengths, and learning styles. Both teachers work cooperatively to recognize and develop the potential for excellence in each student. The SEARCH teacher is available to assist with developing lesson plans and activities that promote higher-level thinking, to demonstrate and share techniques for differentiating instruction, and to offer enrichment to students who have been formally identified for gifted services.

The Loudoun County SEARCH lessons are organized under the thinking keys listed below and are aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL). These lessons fulfill the goals of the LCPS Gifted Education Department which are:
 
1. To become divergent creative thinkers who recognize problems and solve them.
2. To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and of the world around them.
3. To develop the capacity for self-assessment (ownership of the learning).
 
Thinking Keys:

• Connecting

• Reasoning

• Creating

• Perceiving

• Evaluating

National Association for Gifted Children Parent TIP Sheets

National Association for Gifted Children - Is My Child Gifted?