Enrichment Program

Enrichment Program in Grades 1-2

The Enrichment Program for grades one and two serves potentially gifted students that are grouped by grade level in a full-time program. These classes allow students to work at or above grade level in academic subjects, and provide enrichment activities beyond the regular curriculum. Newport News Public Schools screen second graders in the Enrichment gifted program for continued placement in an Enrichment Gifted center or placement in one of the full-time Intellectually Gifted centers beginning in third grade. Transportation to the assigned center is provided for all students.

Enrichment Program Screening and Eligibility

Students are recommended for this program by parents, teachers, building administrators, and/or itinerant teachers for the gifted. The itinerant gifted resource teacher screens students referred for enrichment for placement in the gifted services program.  Data collected includes:

• teacher recommendation/evaluation of gifted characteristics
• aptitude test
• class performance (most recent grades)
• parent evaluation of gifted characteristics

Enrichment Program in Grades 3 – 8

At elementary and middle school levels, qualified students are grouped together for all core subjects. Teachers are selected to work with high ability classes based on their training in gifted education and their success in working with academically able students. The Enrichment program is for students who need the challenge of a curriculum with higher rigor and expectations. The Enrichment gifted program curriculum is enriched and accelerated to meet the students’ learning needs beyond that of the regular education curriculum through the use of problem-based learning, hands-on lessons, and analytical thinking skill units.  The curriculum is enriched with the use of higher level novels and lessons.  The qualifications for placement in the Enrichment and Intellectually Gifted program differ.  Qualification for the Enrichment program provides entry into the Enrichment program only. 

Enrichment Program in Grades 3-8 Screening and Eligibility

Students in third through eighth grades may be recommended for evaluation by teachers, parents, principals or others with related expertise. A screening process is employed to assure that all students in need of gifted services are identified. Students qualifying for the Enrichment program attend one of the Enrichment centers based upon their mailing address. The qualifications for placement in the Enrichment and Intellectually Gifted program differ.  Qualification for the Enrichment program provides entry into the Enrichment program only.  

In addition to those students specifically recommended for evaluation, all second grade students are screened for possible placement in the Gifted Services program.  Students take an aptitude test to determine possible eligibility. These tests are given in the classroom during the regular school day.  Students who score above a certain level will continue the screening process and take an achievement test at a later date that is part of the multiple criteria used for eligibility. 

The criteria used for eligibility are:

• aptitude test
• achievement tests
• teacher evaluation of student’s gifted characteristics
• parent evaluation of child’s gifted characteristics
• instructional level and performance of the student in the areas of reading, math, science and social studies (most recent grades)
• other data as needed

Parents are notified by letter of the final placement decision.

Within the Newport News Public Schools, the Department of Gifted Services provides a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of students with exceptional intellectual abilities from kindergarten through twelfth grade. We realize gifted students have special educational needs which must be met in order for them to reach their full potential, both intellectually and emotionally.

For further information about Gifted Services in Virginia, a copy of the State Plan for Gifted is available in each school for your perusal or you can view online at the Virginia Department of Education web site.

Our Mission Statement: The mission of NNPS Gifted Services is to challenge students to reach their maximum potential using higher order thinking and differentiated instruction in interdisciplinary units, emphasizing problem solving, practical applications and a variety of strategies to meet all learning styles. We strive to provide a rigorous academic environment specifically designed to meet the intellectual, creative, social, and emotional needs of gifted individuals within their unique culture to produce self-directed life-long learners who will become productive citizens.

TAG Advisory Board

Parents who are interested in serving on the TAG Advisory Board may submit an application. Five annual meetings are held in August, October, January, March and May. We generally meet on the third Monday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the School Administration building.

Please download the application form and mail it to Kimberly Beckerdite, Supervisor of Gifted Services, 12465 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606. Please call (757)-591-4566 if you have any questions.

For more information, contact the TAG Advisory Board at  tagadvisoryboard@nn.k12.va.us.

Gifted Education Links and Resources