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Vision
MNPS vision for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is to have the most outstanding gifted and talented program in the United States.
Mission
The mission of Gifted and Talented Education / Encore Program is to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of high ability students.
Goals
- Develop thinking processes
- Promote productive interaction among group members
- Explore the arts through aesthetic education
- Probe the world of science through the application of science process skills
Encore Program
The Encore Program is a regular education program that is designed to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of gifted and talented students. Intellectually gifted and academically talented students are those whose intellectual abilities and potential for achievement are so outstanding that they need special attention to meet their educational needs. Eligibility is determined based on demonstration of advanced classroom performance, superior results on a national-normed achievement test, and evidence of higher level thinking as measured by assessment of abstract reasoning and logical thinking.
The Encore Program serves eligible students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Encore classes meet one-half day each week in local schools. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to Encore classes since Encore is an optional program.
Characteristics of an Intellectually Gifted Child
- displays a great curiosity about objects, situations or events
- wants to know "how" and "why"
- has an exceptional memory
- shows a keen sense of observation about human interaction
- displays a sensitivity to the feelings of others
- observes details
- shows a keen sense of humor
- displays an early tendency to do things alone
When you recognize some of these traits in your child or another child you know, contact the child's school and inquire about having him or her assessed for advanced academic talent. Parents, guardians, pediatricians, child care professionals, certified school personnel and students themselves may make referrals for assessment. Students may be referred to the local school support team or directly to the Gifted and Talented Office for assessment consideration.
Other Sources
Information about gifted education in general is available on the Internet under the heading "gifted education."
Contact Information
Additional information regarding Gifted and Talented Education may be obtained by contacting the Director of Advanced Academics at 615-333-5175 or the Coordinator of Psychology at 615-259-8588. | 
