Recognizing and Developing Talents in Students
The Howard County Public School System’s Gifted and Talented (G/T) Education Program provides enriched and accelerated learning opportunities for advanced learners while fostering talent development for all students as they discover and develop their unique strengths, interests, and potential.
Jump to: Overview | Philosophy | Maryland G/T Legislation | Additional Resources | Contact
Overview
The Howard County Public School System’s Gifted and Talented (G/T) Education Program provides enriched and accelerated learning opportunities for advanced learners while fostering talent development for all students as they discover and develop their unique strengths, interests, and potential.
From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students engage in a continuum of learning experiences that support both academic growth and personal development:
- Primary Talent Development (Kindergarten-Grade 2): All students participate in learning experiences that build critical and creative thinking skills and support the early recognition of advanced learning behaviors.
- Instructional Seminars (Grades 3-8): These interest-based enrichment opportunities are open to all students and encourage in-depth exploration of topics, fostering curiosity and high levels of intellectual engagement.
- Advanced Coursework (Grades 3-12): Students demonstrating readiness for advanced-level work engage in accelerated and enriched units and courses designed to meet their academic needs.
- Research and Internship Experiences (Grades 6-12): Secondary students may enroll in advanced research and internship opportunities that emphasize real-world application of knowledge and connections to future college and career pathways.
Through this comprehensive continuum of services, the HCPSS G/T Program supports students in identifying and developing their strengths throughout their educational journey.
Philosophy
The HCPSS Gifted and Talented Program is grounded in the belief that all students deserve access to meaningful academic challenges that align with their individual strengths and interests. In accordance with national and Maryland state guidelines, HCPSS implements a comprehensive and inclusive approach to advanced learning.
- Diverse Access Points: HCPSS utilizes multiple identification measures to recognize and support a broad range of student strengths throughout their education.
- Family Collaboration: Ongoing communication and partnership with families promote transparency and provide support for advanced learners.
- Talent Development: Early and ongoing opportunities foster the development of student potential, establishing strong foundations and pathways to advanced coursework and specialized programming.
HCPSS remains committed to equitable access and to fostering an environment in which student strengths are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.
Maryland Laws and Regulations for Gifted/Advanced Programs
The Annotated Code of Maryland, Education Article 8-201 defines advanced learners as “those having outstanding talent and performing, or showing the potential for performing, at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with other students of a similar age, experience, or environment.”
Maryland COMAR 13A.04.07, Gifted and Talented Education states that advanced learners “are found in all Maryland schools and in all cultural, ethnic, and economic groups.”
Assessment & Monitoring (if applicable): According to COMAR 13A.04.07.06 – Gifted and Talented, school districts must engage in universal screening of students for advanced programs starting in 3rd grade, with ongoing annual data reviews in grades 4-12 to identify additional students who demonstrate readiness for advanced programming.
Additional information is available through the Maryland State Department of Education Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented Education Branch.
For level-specific information, please see the Elementary School G/T, Middle School G/T Programs, or High School G/T pages.
Additional Resources
- National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
- Maryland State Department of Education Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented Education
Contact
- Coordinator, Gifted and Talented Program, Debbie Blum
- Resource Teacher, Gifted and Talented Program, Karen Saunderson
- Technical Assistant, Gifted and Talented Program, Ginnie Gick
- Contact information for school-based G/T staff is available on individual school websites.
For additional program information contact 410-313-6800.