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Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School is a Maryland Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) school. For our gifted and talented students, the staff uses a variety of measures to identify and serve students who exhibit an exceptionally high level of performance in one or more subject areas.

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What's the difference between Gifted and Advanced?

Gifted learners have ability and achievement scores in the 90th to 99th percentile range (level 5 on PARCC/MCAP in both ELA and math), while advanced learners' scores fall in the 80th to 89th percentile range (level 4 on PARCC/MCAP in both ELA and math).

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Do Gifted and Advanced refer only to Academic Ability?

No. Gifted and advanced learners perform or show the potential to perform at high levels academically, artistically, creatively, or in leadership.

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How are Gifted and Advanced Learners identified?

All kindergarten students are screened with an ability assessment, and achievement results are monitored throughout the grades. Either the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) or the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) is used as an initial identifier, and formal identification then includes data from nationally normed achievement assessments in mathematics and reading (e.g., PARCC/MCAP, i-Ready, or the Measure of Academic Progress). City Schools also uses motivation scales (GES-3) and creativity assessments (Torrance) in limited cases when students pre-qualify in only one of the two categories of ability or achievement. While we formally pull out identified GAL students for weekly services, we also take teacher recommendations as well, when space is available. 

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What about Students who are near the 80th percentile, but not quite there?

City Schools also identify students for talent development when their ability scores exceed the national average but do not yet qualify them as advanced or gifted. 

 

Can my child be screened for Gifted and Advanced Programs?

Please complete and submit the online referral form. Staff from the Gifted and Advanced Learning department in the district's Academics Office will review and forward the form to your child's school. You will be notified about the status of the submission at each stage of the process.

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Resources


Local Organizations


Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education: This volunteer organization is made up of parents, professionals, graduate students, educators, and others who share an interest in gifted education.


Maryland Mensa: The local affiliate of the national organization provides opportunities to network with and support gifted learners.


Maryland State Department of Education: The Maryland State Department of Education's Gifted and Talented education information site which includes regulations and guidelines.


Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth: This organization works to identify and develop the talents of the most advanced K-12 learners.


GT Discover: GT Discover builds the capacity of schools, communities, and parents to identify and serve more gifted and talented students, especially those who are historically underrepresented, serving as a repository of resources, learning opportunities, and a collaborative community for stakeholders.


National Organizations


The National Association for Gifted Children: The leading organization of parents, educators, professionals, and community leaders working to address the unique needs of gifted children. 


Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted: This organization provides information on effective ways to live and work with gifted individuals.


Stanford University Education Program for Gifted Youth: Computer-based, multimedia courses in mathematics, physics, English, computer programming, and other subject areas. 


Davidson Institute for Talent Development: This national nonprofit organization supports profoundly gifted students under the age of 18. 


Supporting your Gifted Learner at Home


Hoagies: A comprehensive site designed for families of gifted and advanced learners. 


University of Connecticut's School of Education: Recommendations for of award-winning books, audiobooks, and books recommended by other children, adolescents, and young adults.


Academy of Achievement: This site seeks to bring students face to face with leaders, visionaries, and pioneers who have helped shape the world. 


Library of Congress: Resources for students and families ranging from classic books online to a national jukebox of recordings.

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