Philosophy
The Gifted and Talented Program at Wilder will identify and provide an educational program for the intellectually and academically gifted and talented student in grades K-5. The program will be flexible, child-centered and provide a variety of options including higher level learning activities and experiences, independent studies, peer interaction and research opportunities. Gifted and talented students, families and educators will find an atmosphere of support and guidance at Wilder.

Definition
"Gifted and talented children" means those persons between the ages of five and twenty-one whose abilities, talents and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their exceptional needs. …"Gifted and talented students are capable of high performance, exceptional production or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or combination of these areas: general or specific ability, specific academic aptitude, creative or productive thinking, leadership…abilities…"(Source: Colorado Exceptional Children’s Act)

Student Search Nomination Process 
Step One – Student Search- the G/T Facilitator asks for informal review of students.
Step Two – Nomination- The G/T Facilitator collects information on nominated students. Students may be nominated by G/T Facilitators, classroom teachers, counselors, parents, special services, self and peers. Information may be collected from parents, students, teachers, classroom assessments, and standardized testing. Students who transfer from other G/T school programs are automatically nominated.
Step Three – Recognition or Identification- 3 positive indicators out of 6 signal exceptional needs:
Student Achievement- Indicator of student knowledge
Student Interest- Indicator of student’s focus areas and /or curiosity
Student Motivation to Learn- Indicator of student’s commitment to pursue learning
Student Aptitude- Indicator of student’s demonstrated mastery
Student Performance- Indicator of a student's demonstrated mastery
Observable Student Behaviors- Indicator of a student’s need for differentiation
Step Four - Service Options Match- Plan for services to match exceptional needs. Services include, Flexible grouping, Cluster grouping, Pullout grouping, Acceleration by subject, and Acceleration by grade skipping.

Instructional Strategies for Gifted and Talented Students
Differentiating
Compacting
Independent projects
Interest groups
Ability groups
Mentorships
Enrichment activities

             I am honored to say that this is my 15^th year as the gifted and talented facilitator at Wilder Elementary. Prior to that I was a 4^th grade teacher at Centennial Elementary in Littleton and a substitute teacher for LPS. It was while I was substituting that I took classes to renew my teaching certificate, and  discovered my passion for the field of gifted and talented. This passion drove me to take gifted classes and attend many gifted conferences. In one of my classes I met a principal named Ken Coddington. (Years later he hired me for the Wilder gt position.)

            My bachelor’s degree is in elementary education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and my master’s degree is in gifted and talented from the University of Northern Colorado.