~ SPIRIT Mission ~

 The mission of the GCSD Gifted Education Program is to ensure that intellectually gifted children, as defined by the MDE, are offered appropriate educational experiences that are qualitatively different from those available in the general education classroom in order to provide opportunities for them to realize their abilities and potential.

~ SPIRIT Vision ~

The Gifted Program is designed according to Mississippi Department of Education Regulations to develop higher order thinking skills, creative problem-solving skills, and metacognition. At the same time the program recognizes the students' individual interests in society as a whole.

Exposure to experiences beyond the regular classroom and immediate community is important for the expansion of the students' understanding of world issues as well as their connection to the world at large. Opportunities for the student are endless and this should be used as a guide during the student's journey to wherever they choose to venture in the future. The district hopes to encourage these students' love of learning into a lifelong process of continued growth of knowledge and SPIRIT.

It is believed by the George County School District administrators, teachers, parents, students, and concerned citizens that the intellectually gifted students are unique of character. These students require additional direction beyond the regular curriculum. Gifted students' needs should be addressed in a way as to stimulate, inspire, motivate, and challenge them to achieve their highest measure of success.

Gifted Education Program Goals:

1. To develop higher order thinking skills

2. To develop critical thinking skills using activities such as deductive reasoning, mindbenders, debates, and simulations

3. To participate in an in-depth learning of self-selected topics

4. To acquire research methods important for independent study

5. To develop creative problem solving through emphasis on fluent, flexible, original, and elaborative thinking

6. To develop cooperative learning skills and effective communication skills through activities such as group dynamics, interview techniques, brainstorming, debate, oral and written projects

7. To increase individual responsibility and self–discipline

8. To demonstrate leadership, decision-making, and group planning skills

9. To develop an understanding of computers to include their role in society, operation, and use in problem solving and research

10. To develop metacognition (process skills requiring mastery, use, and understanding of many other process skills)

11. Experiences will be provided to extend their intellect

"The Sky's The Limit, Keep Reaching For The STARS!"