The Development of a Comprehensive Plan for Gifted Education for Windsor Community Unit #1

One of the responsibilities of educators is to meet the needs of all students. Since these needs vary according to the student, the opportunities afforded to each student must also be varied. Gifted/talented students need special educational opportunities; otherwise, they may not reach their potential. This study developed a plan to meet the needs of gifted/talented students in a small rural setting. This study encompassed a comprehensive plan for differentiated education in grades K-12 involving the six fundamental learning areas for Windsor Community Unit School District Windsor, Illinois. This comprehensive plan includes a needs assessment, a philosophy statement, an identification process, and a program design. The needs assessment gathered information from teachers, administrators, parents, and school board members as to their expectations of a gifted program. The plan for developing a philosophy statement, and identification process, and program designed was established. After working through the needs assessment and the process for developing each of the other components, a philosophy statement, an identification process, and a program design were adopted. Recommendations were made concerning further development of curriculum, teacher in-service, and an evaluation process