Ridley School District offers a gifted support program to those students who have been identified as gifted as the result of a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation. The gifted support teachers meet with each student and his/her parents to individualize the student's program, including independent study opportunities when appropriate. In consultation with the student's parents and teachers, a gifted individualized educational plan (GIEP) is developed annually.
A continuum of services is offered to address the needs of identified gifted students. Those services may include:
Instruction in the regular education program with no changes
Instruction in the regular education program with differentiated instruction
Participation in enrichment experiences in certain subjects
Participation in an academic program which enriches/accelerates some of the regular education program
Differentiated instruction beyond what is provided in the regular classroom in the areas of communication, critical thinking, independent research, and problem solving
The program is also designed to:
Enhance regular classroom instruction through the differentiation of lesson content, processes and products
Provide gifted students with the opportunity to work with similar-ability peers in a small-group setting
Offer opportunities for academic competition
Develop logical and critical thinking skills, effective communication, and collaboration among gifted students
Encourage transfer and application of knowledge to real and meaningful situations or problems
At the elementary level, designated reading specialists provide support to the gifted and talented students. Teachers work with the students to identify their learning styles and determine their strengths based on multiple intelligence surveys. Students meet weekly with the teacher for enrichment activities and work independently to research a topic of their choosing. Students present their research at the annual “Ask the Expert” event in the spring.
Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in an accelerated mathematics program, an enrichment course in humanities, or independent research on a topic of their choosing.
At the high school, students have the opportunity to participate in the Emerald Academy as freshman and sophomores, while juniors and seniors can take more rigorous courses such as honors, advanced placement, or dual enrollment college level courses.