Service for Students
Edina Public Schools recognizes the uniqueness of each student and attempts to meet the individual educational needs of all students on an ongoing basis. Gifted Education Services advocates for students with outstanding gifts or talents because the needs of those students often present a special challenge to teachers (see About Giftedness).
When reviewing student needs, Gifted Education Services looks for students with exceptional ability who need more rigor or challenge in one or more areas of the curriculum. (Some students, of course, have needs that go well beyond rigor and challenge.) As a result of our identification process, students are assigned to Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 Gifted Service. The chart below defines each type of service and explains which students might have a need for that service.
Edina's gifted service is delivered in a learning environment characterized by peer, family, and staff support. We believe that parental involvement is a significant factor in a student's success, and we strongly encourage parent participation and involvement in a child's school career. We ask parents to join us in advocating for their children.
State Service Guidelines
The Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning recommends two components for gifted services: curriculum-based services and student-based services. Curriculum-based services are modifications of the regular curriculum in response to the learning needs of the student. Student-based services are those learning opportunities above and beyond the regular curriculum and often extended to learning activities outside the classroom. As shown in the chart below, Edina incorporates both components into its gifted program.
Types of Gifted Service Offered in Edina Schools
Depending upon individual needs, all students are assigned to one of three types of gifted service:
|
Type of Service |
Student Need | Basis for Need | How Need is Met |
| Tier 1 Enrichment | The regular classroom is meeting the student's needs. | No test scores meet criteria on qualifying standardized tests. No supporting evidence of need. (At the classroom teacher's request, on a trial basis some students may receive direct service in a demonstrated area of strength.) | All-school enrichment (planned and provided by various staff) |
| Tier 3R or 3M Direct |
Greater challenge in either reading or math. | Test scores in reading or math meet or exceed criteria established for each grade, equivalent to* 97% CogAT, 99% MAP or above; teacher corroboration; classroom performance; additional factors may also be taken into account that enable or prevent a student from entering the program. | All-school enrichment; Curriculum modified by classroom teacher or by gifted ed resource teacher for Grade 6 Gifted Reading (3R) |
| Tier 3RM Direct |
The student may receive curriculum-based service and student-based service in both math and reading/ language arts. | Test scores in both reading and math meet or exceed criteria established for each grade, equivalent to* 97% CogAT, 99% MAP or above; teacher corroboration; classroom performance; other factors may also be taken into account that enable or prevent a student from entering the program. | All school enrichment Curriculum modified by classroom teacher Direct instruction from resource teacher (through Grade 6**) |
*In the 2006-07 school year, Edina moved from using the NWEA ALT test to the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test, which reports results as three-digit RIT scores. These vary for every grade and for the time of year the MAP was taken. RIT scores provide greater granularity and improve our ability to identify students scoring at higher levels. For instance, within a single percentile, the equivalent RITs may show a 30-point spread.
**After Grade 6, the needs of gifted students are best met by placement in enriched or Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
Duration of Service
The service provided by Edina's Gifted Education program may begin as early as Grade 3. Prior to that time, our classroom teachers, who have been trained in curriculum differentiation (adapting the curriculum to meet individual student needs), provide adequate challenge for high-ability students. If a student demonstrates an obvious need for gifted service before Grade 3, measures can be taken to provide it (see How We Identify).
With a few exceptions, students identified for Type 3 Service automatically remain in that service until they graduate from Edina High School. Specific opportunities provided through Type 3 Service will vary by grade level.
Students identified for Tier 3R or 3M service have a spike in either math or reading/language arts. Classroom teachers, with the assistance of the gifted ed resource teacher, will offer differentiation and/or curriculum extensions to provide appropriate challenges for these students.
Where appropriate, service is available through 5th grade. Beyond Grade 5, the middle school course offerings should be adequate to meet the needs of student.
An Overview of What Our Service Offers
Edina's curriculum-based and student-based services are multi-faceted, and opportunities vary by grade level.
Elementary Service
Depending on the student's needs, the service offered in Grades 3-6* may include some or all of the following:
- Cluster grouping in the classroom (Tier 2/3)
- Curriculum differentiation, curriculum extensions from the classroom teacher in identified areas of the curriculum (Tier 2/3)
- Special enrichment opportunities, including extracurricular activities and field trips (Tier 3, sometimes Tier 2)
- Service from a gifted education resource teacher, including small group activities, individual projects, mentorships, and discussions about affective issues (Tier 3)
There is a .5 Gifted Resource Teacher in each elementary building. For more detailed information, see Service in Elementary Grades.
Tier 3R and 3RM 6th graders receive direct service in Gifted Reading, which is more closely aligned with the service provided in the elementary program.
Secondary Service
Opportunities offered at the secondary level are intended mostly for students receiving Type 3RM Service. However, students who received Tier 3R or 3M service will benefit from enriched and AP classes as well as extracurricular activities. Tier 3RM secondary service includes:
- Recommendations for enriched and AP classes in Grades 7-12
- Mentorships
- Focus groups/peer group meetings
- Extracurricular competitions
- College planning
- Student advisory council
There is a full-time gifted resource teacher at each middle school and a .4 gifted resource teacher at the High School. See Service in Secondary Grades.
Because our gifted program supports all-school enrichment, curriculum differentiation in the classroom, and special extracurricular activities, we are pleased to say that our service is truly of benefit to all Edina students.