Owasso Public School District is dedicated to fostering exceptional learning experiences that nurture the holistic development of each student. Recognizing the unique needs of gifted and talented students, Owasso schools are committed to providing enrichment opportunities that cultivate their skills, knowledge, and social-emotional growth, enabling them to reach their full potential. The District Leadership Team, in collaboration with the Teaching & Learning Department, the Gifted & Talented Department, and the Gifted & Talented Local Advisory Committee, continuously strives to refine and enhance the educational journey for Owasso’s gifted learners. This commitment involves staying abreast of current research, implementing proven best practices, and adhering to the highest federal, state, and local educational standards. Owasso Public Schools aligns its philosophy with the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), embracing their comprehensive view of giftedness as a guiding principle for best practice.
The NAGC emphasizes the importance of a nuanced understanding of giftedness, moving beyond simple identification criteria to appreciate its complex nature and the diverse services required to effectively support gifted and talented students. Their philosophy underscores that:
“…it is essential to define giftedness in a way that both reflects best thinking in the field and moves beyond a focus on identification criteria to a deeper understanding of the complex nature of giftedness and the multi-faceted approach to services required to appropriately serve students with gifts and talents.” (NAGC, 2019)
Gifted and talented students demonstrate the potential to achieve at levels significantly beyond their peers who share similar backgrounds, experiences, and environments. To flourish academically and personally, these exceptional learners require enriched learning opportunities that challenge them and allow their potential to be fully realized. According to the NAGC, gifted and talented students are characterized by several key attributes:
- Diverse Backgrounds: Gifted students come from all racial, economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, highlighting the importance of inclusive identification and support systems.
- Equitable Access: These students require fair and ample access to learning opportunities that are specifically tailored to their advanced needs and abilities.
- Holistic Development: Beyond academic excellence, gifted students need support and guidance to nurture their social and emotional well-being, ensuring balanced growth across all domains.
- Varied Needs: The services and support required by gifted students are not static; they evolve as students develop and their needs change over time, necessitating flexible and responsive programming.
- Potential Co-morbidities: Some gifted students may also have learning and processing differences, requiring specialized interventions and accommodations to address their unique learning profiles effectively.
Owasso Public Schools is deeply committed to providing an exemplary educational experience for every gifted and talented student within its district. This commitment is brought to life through a multi-faceted approach encompassing:
- Comprehensive Identification Processes: Employing robust and equitable methods to identify students with gifts and talents across various domains.
- Targeted Programming Models: Implementing specialized program structures designed to meet the unique learning and developmental needs of gifted students.
- Challenging Learning Opportunities: Providing curriculum and instructional experiences that are rigorous, engaging, and promote advanced learning and critical thinking.
- Ongoing Professional Development: Investing in continuous training and development for faculty and staff to ensure they are equipped to effectively serve gifted and talented learners.
- Annual Evaluation and Improvement: Engaging in a yearly cycle of reflection, evaluation, and refinement to continuously improve the Gifted and Talented program and ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
Furthermore, Owasso Public Schools recognizes the crucial role of parents in supporting their gifted and talented children. The district is dedicated to providing parents with valuable resources and strategies to effectively champion their children’s educational journey and foster their growth at home and in school.
