MSAD #50 has elected to adopt the State’s definition of giftedness. This definition can be found in Chapter 104 of the state statutes and reads as follows:

“Gifted and talented children shall mean those children in grades K-12 who excel, or have the potential to excel, beyond their age peers, in the regular school program, to the extent that they need and can benefit from programs for the gifted and talented. Gifted and talented children shall receive specialized instruction through these programs if they have exceptional ability, aptitude, skill, or creativity in one or more of the following categories:

1. General Intellectual Ability as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishments above their age peers in all academic areas.
2. Specific Academic Aptitude as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishments above their age peers in one or more academic area(s).
3. Artistic Ability as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishment above their age peers in the literary, performing, and/or visual arts.”

For more information about the traits and tendencies of gifted children or if you have specific questions about the EXCEL program, please feel free to contact your child’s guidance counselor, the EXCEL teacher at your child’s school, or the principal.