Laurel Nokomis School provides a continuum of services for our students who are identified to receive Gifted Education services. All students in Grades 1st-5th are considered for placement in our Advanced Work Program each school year. Placement in the program is contingent on many factors including, academic achievement, work habits, teacher observation and feedback, and attendance. Each year students are considered based on the criteria listed in the attached flyer. Students who are identified as Gifted and/or Magnet eligible in Grades 1-5 are not guaranteed placement in the Advanced Work Program. Students who are not placed in the Advanced Work Program will receive Gifted Resource services as outlined in the child’s Educational Plan through a Gifted Certified Teacher.

Laurel Nokomis School is also home to the Mid-County Middle School Gifted Magnet Program. This program is offered to all students who meet criteria for Gifted Education services and have high academic achievement performance (Magnet Eligibility). Students who are found eligible receive accelerated instruction (one grade level above) in each core subject area (Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies).

If you are interested in pursuing the Gifted Educational program a formal request must be placed with the Exceptional Student Education Instructional Facilitator (e-mail below) through e-mail. All requests are processed in the order in which they are received. Once the request has been made and formal consent will be sent for signature from the parent/guardian for evaluation. The evaluation process begins with a brief intelligence screener administered by a trained staff member. If the student obtains the necessary score on this screener they will be submitted to the School Psychologist for a Full Standardized IQ Evaluation. As the evaluation is taking place, the teacher will also complete a Gifted Rating Scale. All evaluation pieces are combined to determine eligibility for Gifted Education along with the student’s demonstration of need. If the student is eligible for Gifted Education an Initial Educational Plan will be created that outlines goals and services for the 3-year period.

If you have questions about the Gifted Eligibility process, please contact the following:

Kathleen McIndoe, Grades K-4, Kathleen.McIndoe@sarasotacountyschools.net

Donna Palmer, Grades 5-8, Donna.Palmer@sarasotacountyschools.net