Recognition of the special needs of gifted students has a longstanding tradition in
Missouri. Over a quarter of a century ago, the General Assembly passed legislation that
recognized the needs of gifted students and authorized financial support for gifted
programs. The legislation stated, “School districts are expected to provide programs of
instruction suitable for the full range of student ability, from handicapped and
disadvantaged learners through those who are academically advanced.”
More recent acknowledgement of the importance of addressing gifted students’ learning
needs is found in the Standards of the Missouri School Improving Plan, which states,
“Each district identifies gifted and talented students at all levels and provides them
differentiated instruction suitable for their levels of intellectual, physical, and social
maturity."

Our district’s philosophy focuses on helping every child learn and develop his or her
individual potential. For students who come to school with advanced knowledge and
unusual learning capacity, that potential can be compromised without offering curriculum
that is differentiated and matched to students’ learning characteristics. Those
characteristics include the capacity to handle content at an advanced level and pace, the
ability to explore areas in significant depth, the tendency to ask and grapple with difficult
questions, and the desire to use leadership abilities to make a difference in the world at
large.

Curriculum for gifted students is specifically designed to challenge academically
advanced learners and provide experiences that require critical thinking, problem-solving,
independent study skills, communication, and persistence in the face of challenges.
When engaged in high quality gifted services, students will develop their unique abilities,
maintain their passion for learning, and have the opportunity to contribute to the strength
and vitality of our schools, district and community.