Gifted & Talented Philosophy

MSAD 15 is committed to meeting the needs of all students by providing appropriate, specialized programming within the framework of the Maine Learning Results. For students identified as gifted and talented, we strive to expand and extend learning in ways that challenge, inspire, and support their academic and artistic potential.

The MSAD 15 Gifted and Talented Program is grounded in the following principles:

  • Individual pacing: Gifted and talented students learn best when they can work at a pace and level appropriate to their abilities, regardless of chronological age or grade placement. Instruction—including in the fine arts—should match their instructional level and allow for advanced progress.

  • Diverse learning experiences: Because gifted learners benefit from varied educational opportunities, the program provides a range of models, instructional strategies, and materials designed to meet their unique needs.

  • Responsive programming over time: Students’ needs change as they move through the elementary and secondary grades; therefore, instructional settings and supports must adapt to remain developmentally and academically appropriate.

  • Artistic talent development: Students gifted in the arts require specialized, challenging, and conceptually rich curricula. Instruction must be intentionally differentiated from regular curricula to support deep artistic growth and potential.

Gifted & Talented Services:

Gifted and Talented Services in MSAD 15 are delivered in three levels aligned with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Identified students’ programming can move among the tiers. Students are identified for GT services in grades 3-12.

  • Tier 1: Teacher consultation and support

    • Teacher Consultation: GT staff provide support to teachers for students who need enrichment in the classroom. This support can be integrated into their regular instruction through the curriculum.

  • Tier 2: Clubs (formerly known as enrichment)

    • Clubs: Clubs meet once a week and provide enrichment opportunities and increased rigor. Participation in a club does not automatically qualify a student for GT services or guarantee future participation.

  • Tier 3: GT Class (ELA/Math)

    • GT Class: More intensive support for students who meet specific qualifications. This class meets daily and is the math or ELA program for tier 3 students.

 

Assessment Tools for GT Qualification (including, but not limited to):

  • NWEA Scores (Northwest Evaluation Association):
    A standardized test measuring student growth in math and reading is administered three times a year (fall, winter, spring).

    • Qualification: Students must score in the 90th to 99th percentile in a subject for three consecutive assessments.

  • Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT):
    Measures reasoning abilities in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal areas, assessing cognitive development and academic potential.

    • CogAT Screener: Administered to all 2nd graders in the spring.

    • Full CogAT: Administered as needed for further assessment if considered for pull-out services.

Gifted & Talented Screening Review Process:

  1. Data Review:

    • Data from NWEA is reviewed three times a year. Students who score above the 90th percentile on three consecutive NWEA assessments are flagged for further review.

  2. Decision Making:

    • After data review, students are either:

      • Monitored for further observation

      • Invited to participate in a club

      • Assessed further for pull-out services

      • Brought to the GT team for qualification decisions.

  3. CogAT Testing:

    • Students flagged for GT qualification will undergo the appropriate CogAT testing. 

  4. Referral to GT Team:

    • The GT Team consists of a building administrator, GT teacher(s), a general education teacher, and the GT administrator.

    • All relevant data (NWEA and CogAT) will be reviewed by the GT team to determine which level of service (consultation, club, or pull-out) is appropriate. 

  5. Parent Consent:

    • Parents will be notified of all testing and decisions regarding GT placement, including participation in clubs, and must provide consent before any testing or placement occurs.

  6. Teacher Update:

    • After parental consent, staff will be informed, and a transition plan will be discussed for any new GT placements.

  7. Annual Service Review:

    • All students receiving GT services will be reviewed annually to determine ongoing eligibility.

Resources for Accelerated Learners:

MSAD 15’s Gifted & Talented Staff:

Gifted & Talented Administrator:  

  • Amanda Hennessey ahennessey@sad15.org 

Gifted & Talented Teachers: 

  • Erin McNally (ELA/SS) emcnally@sad15.org 

  • Tiffany Sinclair (Math/Science) tsinclair@sad15.org


Updated January 15, 2026