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Normandy Schools Collaborative presents draft gifted-and-talented program targeting grades 3–12
Summary
District staff presented an executive-summary plan for a new gifted-and-talented program aimed at grades 3–12, outlining goals, assessments, teacher certification requirements and a hiring timeline; board members pressed for entry points, delivery model, assessment costs and coordinator pay range.
At a Normandy Schools Collaborative Joint Executive Board meeting, district staff presented an executive summary and timeline for a new gifted-and-talented program designed to serve students in grades 3 through 12.
The presentation, led by Anthony Taylor, coordinator for data, assessment and professional development, described a vision of “transformational” learning that emphasizes critical thinking, project-based inquiry, individualized learning plans and student leadership. Taylor told the board the program’s goals include empowering students’ unique talents, fostering creativity and leadership, promoting ethical advocacy and expanding interdisciplinary and lifelong-learning opportunities.
Board members asked operational questions. Director Milton Roberts asked about the program entry point and whether students who start later (for example, in grade 6) could join; Taylor said the identified target range is grades 3–12 and that students can enter at different points along that span. Director Milton Roberts and others pressed how the program will align with general classroom instruction; staff said alignment will rely on existing literacy and math foundations and on inquiry-based curriculum, while noting the level of rigor will differ from regular classrooms.
On teacher qualifications, Taylor said Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires gifted teachers be certified in gifted and talented instruction; the district will follow DESE guidance and involve human resources and a committee in recruitment and panel interviews. Taylor said one teacher with prior gifted certification is currently on the program committee.
On assessments and cost, Taylor said the committee is reviewing multiple assessment instruments to match the program goals (creativity, leadership, critical thinking and civic engagement) but had not selected a single, districtwide instrument. He said the district will propose a budget for assessments and that testing costs would be borne by the district rather than parents.
Taylor said the committee will meet again on Feb. 14 to refine delivery models, selection criteria and staffing. He added he had updated a proposed salary range for the top coordinator position to a range between $60,000 and $85,000 per year.
The board did not take formal action on the program at the meeting; members asked for further detail on delivery options (school-based versus centralized campus), recruitment procedures and the timeline for identifying assessment tools and staffing.
Board members and staff said they will return with a more detailed plan after the committee’s February meeting.
