Gifted Services

Children, emerging adolescents, and young adults who are academically talented are a unique population. They differ from their age peers in abilities, interests, and sensitivities. In order to excel and achieve their potential, academically talented youth require different and diverse experiences to meet their educational needs.

The aim is to provide advanced and enriched opportunities that replace, supplement, or extend learning beyond the standard curriculum and that incorporate different modes of instruction. These opportunities will encourage and develop creative and critical thinking, provide practice in problem formation and solution, develop responsibility to self and others, and enhance the appreciation of life-long learning.

Self-Contained Classes
Students who qualify for the self-contained elementary Gifted & Talented Program will attend Grant Elementary   

The program, administered through an all-day self-contained class, is committed to offering an organized differentiated program for academically able youngsters. Teachers compact (teach in a shorter period of time) Lakewood's regular curricula for all students and then provide diverse instruction suitable for individual student needs and abilities. Students often explore topics in greater depth than can be provided for in the normal learning environment. Youngsters may proceed through concepts at a faster rate than their chronological peers, or even pursue new ideas and topics not presented in other classes.

Emphasis is placed on problem finding and problem solving, logic, creative and critical thinking, cooperative as well as independent study, and time management and study habits. The educational setting allows students a full range of expression, which results, in continued academic competence, creative production, independence and resourcefulness, increased social awareness, and responsibility to self and to others. 

Cluster Grouping in Traditional Classrooms
This model of our service has the students remaining in their home schools while receiving differentiated instruction. Beginning in third grade, students identified in the areas of reading and/or math OR superior cognitive ability will be placed in cluster groups within the general education classroom. Instruction focuses on the academic area of identification. Students receive high-level instruction that is differentiated to meet their abilities and extends beyond the grade level standards in terms of depth and breadth. The course is taught by a general education teacher who has received specialized training in gifted education. These students have a Written Education Plan (WEP) that is collaboratively written by the classroom teacher and the Coordinator of Gifted Services.

Advanced Classes
Grades 6-8
Advanced and Honors courses are offered for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These classes are composed of gifted and high-ability students who are challenged through differentiated instruction, critical and creative thinking lessons, and/or project-based learning. Students identified in superior cognitive ability and/or a specific academic area and who meet the district criteria set forth by each class will be placed in an advanced or honors class. Students receive a Written Education Plan (WEP) when their area(s) of identification align with the advanced course they are taking which is collaboratively written by the classroom teacher and the Coordinator of Gifted Services.

AP and Advanced Classes
Grades 9-12
Gifted students at LHS have the opportunity, along with any student who meets the district criteria set forth by each class, to take advanced and Advanced Placement classes.  Students receive high-level instruction that is differentiated to meet their abilities and extends beyond the grade level standards in terms of depth and breadth. Students may pursue this advanced level sequence throughout high school. Students receive a Written Education Plan (WEP) when their area(s) of identification align with the advanced course they are taking which is collaboratively written by the classroom teacher and the Coordinator of Gifted Services.

College Credit Plus (CCP) Service Grades 9-12
College Credit Plus is a program whereby Ohio’s high school students may opt to take college courses for high school and college credit. Eligible students may enroll in coursework taking place at Lakewood High School through a participating college/university campus and/or online. Students may also enroll in on-campus learning through accredited colleges/universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. Students identified as gifted will receive Written Education Plans (WEP) in conjunction with the course syllabus.