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Burke County Board adopts updated AIG plan expanding services to 2,255 students
Summary
The Burke County Board of Education unanimously approved a revised Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) plan that increases identified students to 2,255 and updates identification pathways, program services and accountability measures through 2028.
The Burke County Board of Education on June 16 unanimously approved a new Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) plan that the district says expands services to 2,255 students — roughly 20% of enrollment — and will remain in effect through spring 2028.
The plan, presented to the board by a district staff member who outlined identification, program continuity and accountability changes, updates the district’s three pathways for placing students in AIG services and formalizes a portfolio pathway to capture students who may be missed by testing alone. “Pathway 3 … pulls data together that we already use in our school system, like standardized scores, grades, that motivation checklist again, star assessment, EOGs,” the presenter said.
Why it matters: the revision raises the district’s AIG enrollment from about 1,765 in the prior plan to 2,255 in the proposed plan, and the district says several previously underrepresented groups show increased representation under the new procedures. The board must approve the tri‑annual plan to meet state expectations and to maintain local program continuity.
Program details: the district retains three formal placement routes. Pathway 1 requires top-tier test scores (97th percentile on the Iowa or CogAT or a Level 5 EOG). Pathway 2 uses slightly lower test percentiles plus teacher rating scales. Pathway 3 uses a collected portfolio of throughout‑year measures to identify students who may not show in a single test. The plan also specifies differentiated education plans (DEPs) for grades 3–5, 6–8 and 9–12 and continues acceleration, enrichment, STEAM/STEAM Academy ties and countywide extracurricular academic opportunities.
Personnel and training: the district reported it has four licensed AIG specialists who provide teacher collaboration, data management and professional development. The presenter described a local endorsement available to teachers as a continuing professional development option to support differentiated instruction.
Accountability and alternative settings: the presentation noted the district must submit an alternative schools modified accountability participation form annually and outlined three state‑provided options for alternative settings. The presenter confirmed the proposed AIG plan was the board action item for the evening.
Board action and timeline: a motion to approve the proposed AIG plan carried unanimously. Board members were told the plan will last through the spring of 2028 and that the district followed the state’s three‑year review cycle.
What’s next: the plan will be implemented in cooperation with principals, school‑based AIG chairs and community partners including Western Piedmont (which houses the STEAM Academy), with ongoing feedback and periodic review.
