What, technically, is AIG? NC defines the identification as “academically and intellectually gifted students perform or show the potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment.” This definition is written in Article 9B of the NC General Statutes. NC also indicates that students can come from all cultural or economic strata. Based on the Watauga County AIG plan's identification requirements, this means that students achieving in the top 7-10 percent of their peer groups, OR students who show the potential for achieving within that group qualify for and need differentiated services in order to reach their potential. These high-level abilities can be found in students from any subgroup, minority, or culture.
Each county within North Carolina has created their own AIG plan in order to provide appropriate educational services. This plan is updated and rewritten at least every 3 years, although it is constantly under review for improvement. It is written through a collaboration of AIG Specialists, County Personnel, AIG student parents, and others. The counties base their plans off of the North Carolina AIG Program Standards, elaborating on how each standard is implemented in their specific county. The standards can be accessed here.
Within the AIG plan, the following features are outlined:
Examples of these being implemented in Watauga County:
-Each year, the AIG specialist is responsible for leading a staff development informing the faculty of the identification process, what to look for in giftedness, service options, and how to differentiate appropriately.
-AIG Specialists meet monthly with the AIG Director to ensure collaboration and continuity among the schools within the county, and to discuss effectiveness of the plan.
-Training is held for at least one specialist in the county to be able to assess students with Limited English Proficiency on a non-verbal abilities test.
-The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is used to screen 3rd grade students for placement and indications of intellectual ability.
-The Teacher Recommendation Scale incorporates performance in the classroom into the identification process.
Each county's plan must be submitted to the State Board of Education for review. It is then revised before being enacted.
Procedure for solving disagreement
1. School Level Review- parents/guardians may request a meeting with the AIG Specialist, the principal, and the Excel Team. Other personnel may join as appropriate. This meeting should occur within 10 days of the initial written request.
2. Administrative Level Review- if the disagreement is not resolved, the parent/guardian may submit a written appeal to the AIG Director. The director will respond to both the principal and the parent/guardian within 10 days.
3. School Board Level Review- if an agreement still cannot be reached, the parent/guardian may submit a written appeal to the Watauga County Board of Education within 10 days. The school board will offer a decision within 30 days.
4. Administrative Law Hearing: at this stage, the parent/guardian may submit a petition for a contested case hearing. Taken into consideration will be the appropriateness of the implementation of the plan, and the failure to identify a student properly. This decision is final.
Further information and resources regarding the Watauga County AIG Plan may be accessed here.
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (1996). Article 9B, (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.05-.08)
Each county within North Carolina has created their own AIG plan in order to provide appropriate educational services. This plan is updated and rewritten at least every 3 years, although it is constantly under review for improvement. It is written through a collaboration of AIG Specialists, County Personnel, AIG student parents, and others. The counties base their plans off of the North Carolina AIG Program Standards, elaborating on how each standard is implemented in their specific county. The standards can be accessed here.
Within the AIG plan, the following features are outlined:
- the complete identification process, including pathways and solutions for all situations
- identification means as to not exclude any minority
- expectations for differentiated curriculum
- staff awareness and professional development for both the specialist and the classroom teachers
- evaluation of AIG programs and the AIG plan
- collaboration and responsibility of school personnel to reach student needs
- service options outlined according to appropriate level of schooling
- integration of the community into the AIG curriculum
- description of the AIG specialist's responsibilities, as well as the county AIG Director's responsibilities, and the principals role in implementing the plan.
- the procedure for handling discrepancies and disagreements regarding identification or the appropriateness of service options.
- the need for supplementary resources to meet the needs of gifted students, and the intent to purchase these materials
Examples of these being implemented in Watauga County:
-Each year, the AIG specialist is responsible for leading a staff development informing the faculty of the identification process, what to look for in giftedness, service options, and how to differentiate appropriately.
-AIG Specialists meet monthly with the AIG Director to ensure collaboration and continuity among the schools within the county, and to discuss effectiveness of the plan.
-Training is held for at least one specialist in the county to be able to assess students with Limited English Proficiency on a non-verbal abilities test.
-The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is used to screen 3rd grade students for placement and indications of intellectual ability.
-The Teacher Recommendation Scale incorporates performance in the classroom into the identification process.
Each county's plan must be submitted to the State Board of Education for review. It is then revised before being enacted.
Procedure for solving disagreement
1. School Level Review- parents/guardians may request a meeting with the AIG Specialist, the principal, and the Excel Team. Other personnel may join as appropriate. This meeting should occur within 10 days of the initial written request.
2. Administrative Level Review- if the disagreement is not resolved, the parent/guardian may submit a written appeal to the AIG Director. The director will respond to both the principal and the parent/guardian within 10 days.
3. School Board Level Review- if an agreement still cannot be reached, the parent/guardian may submit a written appeal to the Watauga County Board of Education within 10 days. The school board will offer a decision within 30 days.
4. Administrative Law Hearing: at this stage, the parent/guardian may submit a petition for a contested case hearing. Taken into consideration will be the appropriateness of the implementation of the plan, and the failure to identify a student properly. This decision is final.
Further information and resources regarding the Watauga County AIG Plan may be accessed here.
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (1996). Article 9B, (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.05-.08)