Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Are the any summer programs for gifted students?
Yes. Go to the documents page of the website and click on 'summer programs.'Back to Top
What gifted programming will be offered for the 2009-10 school year?
The NAMS will offer a 60-day class for which students must sign up. This class will replace two of their Diamond Arts Exploratory classes. The signup deadline is June 5, but if you were late in receiving the forms, please call the guidance department and we should be able to schedule your child. Also,inclusionary activities will continue as well as some 1st period activities. Please see the syllabus in the documents section for more information.Back to Top
What are 'inclusionary' activities?
Inclusionary activities are those which are done in the regular education classes with both the regular ed. teacher and gifted ed. teacher co-teaching. Modifications are made for those students who need additional challenges, but the focus of the lesson/unit is the same for all students.Back to Top
How does my child qualitfy for gifted services?
Initially, a child must be referred for evaluation. If one or more of the child's teachers suspect that the child is gifted, then he/she may inform the guidance department, which will take appropriate action. Also, parents may request, in writing, that their child be evaluated, with a limit of one request annually. Ultimately, students must be given a multidisciplinary evaluation conducted by a certified school psychologist. After this evaluation is completed, a determination will be made if the student requires gifted services. Please refer to PA State Chapter 16, section 16.22 for more information.Back to Top
How frequently does my child receive gifted services?
This depends a lot on your child. At the Middle School, students may receive gifted services through inclusionary activities, activitiy period time, and via the 60-day Gifted Exploratory class. Inclusionary gifted activities are coordinated with each teaching team and individual teachers. Some of these are such that they can be completed in one period, and others may take a week or more,with gifted students' participation required. However, Activity period work is voluntary. Students receive a calendar each month with listed topics, and must sign up for those of interest.Each grade receives these services two periods per six-day cycle. Also, the 60-day Gifted Exploratory class is optional. For those interested, this class will replace two of the child's "Diamond" courses (2,30-day courses). If selected, however, students will meet with the gifed teacher one full period per day for one third of the school year.Back to Top
What topics are covered in the Gifted Exploratory Class?
The Gifted Exploratory Class topics are varied, but are linked to one or more of the student's curricular areas. For example, an 8th grade Science unit on energy may be addressed by a detailed investigation of alternative fuel sources. Also, a Social Studies unit on the U.S. Constitution could be followed by a closer look at Law Related Education with students conducting a mock trial. However, a significant part of the class will be set aside for a self-selected project topic under the guidance of the gifted ed. teacher. Regardless of the topic, students will be challenged with problems which mirror real-world dilemmas.Back to Top
What topics are addressed during 1st period (activity period)?
These topics vary from month to month, but usually involve sharpening analytical and problem solving skills. Past topics have included: introductory Russian and Japanese language; flight simulation training using computers; engineering structures and design; mathematics and language problem solving; robotics; digital art; diplomacy; and games such as chess, go, and nine-man morris. Students are also encouraged to submit topic suggestions.Back to Top
What gifted programming is offered at Nazareth Area High School?
At the High School, gifted ed. students may elect to sign up for the advanced gifted seminar which meets daily for one half of the school year. See the gifted high school web page for more information. http://www.teacherweb.com/PA/NazarethAreaHighSchool/HighSchoolGift ed/Back to Top