In Georgia, a gifted education student is defined as one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels corresponding with his or her ability(ies).
Catoosa County Schools serves gifted students through the Quest Program, which includes grades K-12.
The resource and/or cluster group and or advanced content model is used in elementary school. Student may be served up to six subjects per day.
Quest Program Goals:
- Develop lifelong independent learners
- Focus on higher-order thinking skills and advanced problem solving
- Provide opportunities for independent studies and self-directed projects
- Compacting and enriching the regular curriculum through the use of interdisciplinary units of study
- Prepare students in K-12 in standardized test-taking skills
- Prepare students for college admissions requirements, including written applications, oral interviews, and academic competition
- Increase communication skills, orally and written, in an exemplary manner
- Provide opportunities for creative expression
- Solicit input from all stakeholders for the purpose of program involvement
- Develop research skills
- Develop productive citizens with opportunities to contribute to their community
- Prepare students to be technologically competent
Students in the Quest Program have many opportunities to advance beyond the basic curriculum. A greater breadth and depth of learning is encouraged (fostered) that may include 1) additional educational field trips 2) in-depth conceptual units 3) competition through media festivals, art shows, social science fairs, writing competitions, Governor's Honors Programs, and a variety of other opportunities.