Evaluation of the Gifted and Talented Program, 1980-81

• Published in: Journal of Research and Evaluation of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Vol. 11; no. 2
• Main Authors: Sharp, Bill, Watson, Pat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-11-1981
• Subjects: Elementary Education; Gifted; Gifted Disadvantaged; Limited English Speaking; Minority Groups; Oklahoma (Oklahoma City); Program Descriptions; Program Evaluation; Special Programs; Talent; Talent Identification; Oklahoma (Oklahoma City)

A study involving 1,000 minority and limited English proficiency students was designed to gather descriptive data about the population served and analyze methods used to identify potential participants in the gifted and talented program in 15 elementary schools, 7 fifth year centers, and 6 middle schools. A combination of methods was used to identify students for the Oklahoma City Public Schools Gifted and Talented Program, including parent, professional, and student nominations; achievement, aptitude and interest test results; and student performance and interests. Among findings were that teacher nomination was used for most students in the gifted and talented program, and that 84% of the students in the gifted and talented program did not have individual educational programs. Conclusions were drawn regarding placement, activities, and development and dissemination. It was found that although the racial balance in the program was not the same as in the district, it seemed to the evaluator that a concerted effort was made to include minority and limited English proficiency students, both district wide and in each school. For most schools, as well as the district, the gifted and talented program consisted of an open ended curriculum which included individualized and group instruction in such areas as creativity, leadership, career exploration, and the arts. Appended are guidelines for the gifted/talented program and a program evaluation planning sheet. (SW)