Pennsylvania Special Education Regulations (PA Chapter 16) defines mentally gifted as “outstanding intellectual and creative ability, the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.” Mentally gifted includes students who have an IQ of 130 or higher, or when multiple criteria as specified in state guidelines indicate gifted ability. The Penn Cambria School District has a process in place to screen students who may be mentally gifted. Teachers and parents may refer students for gifted screening. Students who are thought to be gifted are then referred for a Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation which includes information provided by teachers and parents, as well as an individual assessment of intellectual ability and academic skills conducted by a school psychologist.
Students meeting the eligibility criteria for Mentally Gifted are provided with a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) which is an educational plan developed to address the identified student’s unique strengths and needs. Gifted Support programming focuses on enrichment and/or acceleration and is facilitated by a Gifted Support teacher in all school buildings within the district. Instructional services are provided through direct instruction, classroom enrichment, and/or consultation.
For more information, please contact the Special Education Department at (814) 886-4785.
Penn Cambria School District Board Policy 114 – Gifted Education
