Frequently Asked Questions...
Are gifted education programs mandated in Arizona?
Yes. Gifted education is mandated for all public school districts. All school districts must both
identify gifted learners and provide appropriate educational programs and services for gifted
learners that are an “integrated, differentiated learning experience during the regular school
day” in all grades K‐12 (https://www.azed.gov/asd/gifted/Statutes.pdf).
What kinds of gifted services are available in Deer Valley?
Our gifted service models include content replacement (SAGE) self-contained (Renaissance Academy) and Gifted Cluster Classrooms. A school's model for providing gifted services depends upon many factors including teacher, administrator, student, and parent needs. Student population and staffing (teachers with gifted endorsements and experience) also plays a role. In Deer Valley, we strive to offer educational choice in all areas of programming. Not all gifted students are alike, so not all gifted services are alike!
What kind of training is required for teachers working with gifted learners?
Teachers who work with gifted learners must be provided with professional development
support based on a plan outlined within a school district’s Scope and Sequence for Gifted
Education. Also, teachers whose primary responsibility is teaching gifted learners must have, or
be working towards earning an Arizona Gifted Education K‐12 Endorsement(https://www.azed.gov/certification/requirements/Endorsements/Gifted.pdf). DVUSD supports teachers by providing an ongoing series of classes and workshops that lead to a gifted endorsement.
Yes. Gifted education is mandated for all public school districts. All school districts must both
identify gifted learners and provide appropriate educational programs and services for gifted
learners that are an “integrated, differentiated learning experience during the regular school
day” in all grades K‐12 (https://www.azed.gov/asd/gifted/Statutes.pdf).
What kinds of gifted services are available in Deer Valley?
Our gifted service models include content replacement (SAGE) self-contained (Renaissance Academy) and Gifted Cluster Classrooms. A school's model for providing gifted services depends upon many factors including teacher, administrator, student, and parent needs. Student population and staffing (teachers with gifted endorsements and experience) also plays a role. In Deer Valley, we strive to offer educational choice in all areas of programming. Not all gifted students are alike, so not all gifted services are alike!
What kind of training is required for teachers working with gifted learners?
Teachers who work with gifted learners must be provided with professional development
support based on a plan outlined within a school district’s Scope and Sequence for Gifted
Education. Also, teachers whose primary responsibility is teaching gifted learners must have, or
be working towards earning an Arizona Gifted Education K‐12 Endorsement(https://www.azed.gov/certification/requirements/Endorsements/Gifted.pdf). DVUSD supports teachers by providing an ongoing series of classes and workshops that lead to a gifted endorsement.