Gifted Education

The Franklin County School System recognizes that intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata and in all areas of human endeavor.

Gifted students may be found within any race, ethnicity, gender, economic class or nationality. In addition, some students with disabilities may be gifted. The Franklin County Public School System shall prohibit discrimination against any student on the above basis with respect to his/her participation in the gifted program.

The System recognizes the unique needs of its gifted students and the mandate from the State of Alabama to identify and serve them. 

Franklin County Schools complies with the Alabama Act 106 that mandates school systems identify and serve gifted students. Franklin County Schools follow the guidelines set forth in the "gifted" section of the Alabama State Department of Education-Administrative Code-Chapter 290-8-9-12 for: Referral, Consent, Evaluation, Eligibility Determination, Placement and Service Delivery Options, Gifted Education Plan, Administration, Caseload, and Procedural Safeguards. 

Definition of Gifted

Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.

For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

To make a referral, contact the Gifted Specialist at your child's school.

Sandra Coan - Phil Campbell, East Franklin & Tharptown

Pam Ozbirn - Belgreen, Vina and Red Bay

Debra Spillers - Tharptown

Contact Phone Number: 256-332-8814