GT/LD Frequently Asked Questions
Who are GT/LD students?
- Recognized as gifted or highly able. They have outstanding thinking, academic, and/or artistic talents. Identified with a learning disability and receiving special education services. They have poor reading, writing, and/or math skills.
- Bright students who are struggling in school and not reaching their potential.
- If you think your child may be GT/LD, use the GT/LD Checklist for Parents.
To learn more about the characteristics and recognition of GT/LD students, view the one hour Recognizing GT/LD Students Webinar.
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How are GT/LD students first recognized?
- When educators and parents are aware of GT/LD characteristics and recognize the pattern of strengths and weaknesses within the student.
- School teams begin problem-solving using Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) and/or Educational Management Team (EMT) guidelines. They make recommendations and document the student's response to interventions and supports.
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How are GT/LD students formally identified for IEP services?
- The school team may make a referral to the school IEP team if (after implementation of CPS and EMT recommendations), the student is not progressing as expected.
- Parents may make a referral to the school IEP team. See the GT/LD Advocacy Guide for Parents for tips for being an effective advocate for your child. Upon referral, a screening IEP team meeting will be held to review data, to determine whether an educational disability is suspected, and if so, to determine the need for further assessment/testing.
- For more information on CPS, EMT, and special education procedures, see the Problem Solving for Student Success guide.
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What do these students need?
- Challenging instruction in their areas of strength
- Instruction to improve the areas of weakness
- Individualized accomodations
- Case management and social/emotional support
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How are students placed in a GT/LD program?
- Placement is determined by the school IEP team which includes the parent.
- For more information about GT/LD Programs, call Marisa Stemple at 301-309-6272.
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Where are MCPS GT/LD Programs located?
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What is GT/LD Consultation?
- Consultation provides school staff with recommendations and strategies to support and challenge the students in the local school.
- School staff can request consultation for individual students.
- If parents feel this support is needed, they may suggest that the team make the request.
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What is the WINGS Mentor Program?
- An adult mentor works with the GT/LD student (once a week for approximately 8 sessions at the school) to develop an enrichment project in an area of passion or interest. Self-esteem and positive learner characteristics are nurtured and developed.
- More about the WINGS Mentor Program
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