Indiana’s Plan for High Ability Education

Robert Marra, Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction, directed the development of a multi-year plan for the use of state resources reserved for Gifted and Talented. It is updated each year.

IDOE Division of Exceptional Learners Responsibility

• Carry out Indiana Law under the direction of the State Superintendent and the State Board of Education
• Help schools provide an appropriate education for students with high abilities
• Use state resources for maximum effect
• Distribute grants to schools to directly impact services to students (84% of state G/T Resources)
• Provide an infrastructure at the state level to administer funding and develop statewide initiatives
• Support training and information for teachers, administrators, parents, and the community
• Provide technical assistance to school corporations

Provide Leadership

• Recruit, develop and retain qualified persons to work for and with the Division of Exceptional Learners.
• Develop a statewide plan for improving services to high ability learners.
• Provide information through SIS
• Develop Indiana Standards for High Ability Education
• Provide technical assistance to school districts
• Establish a State Advisory Council to review planning and distribution of resources

Identification and Assessment

• Establish a suggested state minimum definition for High Ability Student
• Give guidance to schools in using this definition within a multifaceted identification plan
• Give help to parents and schools in identifying students
• Develop ISTAR for use in assessing off-grade performance
• Investigate other ways to assess actual level of student achievement or performance and individual annual growth

Professional Development

• Develop and disseminate training modules specifically for preservice teachers; superintendents, BBPC’s, school boards, parents; principals; counselors; teachers; and school psychologists
• Support licensure for coordinators and teachers assigned to G/T groups
• Support regional speakers for teachers and parents
• Collaborate and plan the annual IAG/IDOE state conference
• Provide CRU’s for professional development

Curriculum and Instruction

• Support development of curriculum in math and language arts specifically for high ability
• Support training in differentiating instruction specifically for high ability in language arts and math

Service Delivery

• Provide training in development of a Continuum of Services
• Develop a companion document to the Identification Protocol for Student Service Options
• Provide technical assistance to schools

Program Evaluation

• Train coordinators in evaluation specifically as it relates to high ability services
• Help grant recipients evaluate the use of resources

Integrate G/T Planning

Education for students with high abilities does not occur in isolation; these kids are a part of the school population and their needs must be planned for along with the needs of all other students. Evaluate all efforts supported by state funding in light of effectiveness in improving services for high ability students.

• Provide input on G/T needs whenever policy is discussed.
• Get G/T message out through other organizations.
• Collaborate with other groups to find ways to meet G/T needs.
• Improve communication about state G/T initiatives.
• Use consistent language and a consistent message.