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St. Mary Parish showcases talented-and-gifted students; 169 slated for evaluation
Summary
St. Mary Parish educators reported differences in screening for gifted and talented programs, announced 169 students entering evaluation for the talented program, and presented student performances and artwork at a special education advisory meeting.
St. Mary Parish educators described how students are screened for gifted and talented services, announced that 169 students will begin evaluations for the talented program next week, and presented performances and artwork from program participants at a special education advisory meeting that closed after a motion to adjourn.
Program staff said the screening process differs between the district—s gifted and talented tracks. "For gifted, a student must meet certain criteria," the presenter said, citing standardized test scores, classroom performance and grades as triggers for screening and noting referrals by teachers, parents or principals; pupils who meet screening criteria are evaluated by the pupil appraisal team. "For talented, it's much different for those students," the presenter added, saying students request entry, submit a portfolio or audition, require parental permission for screening and are screened by talented teachers before state evaluation.
The presenter told the advisory group that evaluations for the talented program begin next week and that 169 students applied and will begin the evaluation process. The presenter also listed upcoming showcase opportunities: Art Jam is scheduled for April 7-8 at the TESCH Theater in Franklin, and the St. Mary Parish art show will be held at the Art Guild in Morgan City; dates for the parish art show will be posted on the district website once confirmed. The presenter said some students apply to statewide events such as Louisiana State University—s statewide high school exhibition, the Louisiana School Boards Association art contest and Nicholls State University—s high school art day.
Students performed and spoke about their experiences in the program. "I have my very own window painting business that has grown to be popular within the last couple of months," said Leila Sam, a student at Patterson High School, describing how the program helped her develop artistic skills. Larkin Cashin, a student from Centerville High School, said, "This program has definitely had a very positive impact on me and a much better impact on how I felt about school," and described his long involvement with talent theatre and upcoming college plans.
Presenters and staff emphasized that talented instruction varies by school: Warren City (Warren) High School was described as the only school offering a daily, 90-minute in-class talented art option; at other schools talented services are provided by pull-out instruction. The presenter said students who seek talented services must provide evidence of prior performance (for example, a portfolio or recordings) as part of the screening process.
The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded; no other formal policy actions or votes were recorded during the portion of the meeting devoted to the talented-and-gifted presentations.
The advisory group credited teachers, families and school staff for supporting the program and encouraged posting event details to the district website once dates are finalized.
