The Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE) is a process to gather the information that will be used to determine if a child is mentally gifted and in need of special education services. A "Permission to Evaluate" form must be signed by the parents before the evaluation process may begin.  The evaluations gather information from parents, teachers and the student that is relevant to the child's academic functioning, learning strengths and educational needs. Information is gathered through observations, interviews and includes an evaluation by a school psychologist.
 
Gifted Multidisciplinary Team and Gifted Written Report

 

The Gifted Multidisciplinary Team (GMDT), a team of educational professionals and the parents, reviews all evaluation materials and a Gifted Written Report (GWR) is then prepared. This Gifted Written Report contains all of the information contributed by team members and assessment results. This report also includes recommendations to the GIEP team regarding eligibility for gifted services and the need for specially designed instruction. Reasons supporting the recommendation are included in addition to the names and positions of each member of the team.
 
The Gifted Individualized Plan

The Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) Team reviews the recommendations in the Gifted Written Report and determines whether the child is gifted. If the GIEP team decides the child is gifted and in need of specialized instruction, the team writes the Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) at the meeting.  The GIEP will contain a statement of the child's present educational performance including both academic/intellectual and social/emotional levels. Together, the team writes annual goals and short-term learning outcomes based on the child's needs and abilities. These goals identify areas which go beyond the program the child would receive as part of his or her general education. Annual goals describe what the child can be expected to learn during the year. Short-term learning outcomes are the sequential steps the child must take in order to reach these goals. Assessment timelines and procedures are included to provide a means to determine whether the goals and learning outcomes are being met. The GIEP will also include support services and specially designed instruction, based on the student's need and ability. A child's program is reviewed every year at a GIEP meeting. It may be reviewed more often if requested by any GIEP team member.