The Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP)
A "gifted student" is defined as being an exceptional student under Section 1371 of the Pennsylvania School Code. These students require specially designed instruction beyond that required by Chapter 4. Chapter 16: Special Education for Gifted Students was published on December 9, 2000. The Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) is the framework of a student's program and should consist of information that is useful in providing appropriate programming and support services. The following information will help you to understand the GIEP process.
What is a GIEP? The Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) is a yearly summary document that includes all curricular areas in which a gifted child is to receive education that is adapted and modified to meet his/her individual needs. Acceleration or enrichment, or both, are appropriate options. The options provided to gifted students must enable them to learn at different rates, to learn difficult material earlier, and to think at a level different from their classmates. How are GIEP meetings set up? A GIEP meeting must be held at least annually. A GIEP meeting must also be held at a parent's or teacher's request to develop, review, or revise a student's individualized education program. The school district must take steps to ensure that one or both parents has the opportunity to attend the GIEP meeting. An invitation to the GIEP meeting must be provided to the parents at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. The meeting should be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time and place. The school district should ensure that the following people are included in the meeting: one or both of the student's parents, the student (if the parents choose), a school district representative who is knowledgeable about district resources and is authorized to commit the resources, one or more of the student's teachers and other individuals at the discretion of either the parents or the district. How can parents contribute to the GIEP process? The parents of a gifted student are expected to be equal participants with school personnel, in developing, reviewing, and revising the student's GIEP. They can contribute to the GIEP process by providing the following information: child's academic strengths, child's talents and creative abilities, evidence of leadership, educational activities child pursues outside of school, expertise that child demonstrates, interests of the child, special experiences and honors and number of repetitions necessary to learn new skills What should be written in the GIEP?
The program placement should be determined based on the child's needs as described in the GEIP. The intent of the law is that the program be based on the unique needs of the child, rather than the programs available in the school district. Are signatures required on the GIEP? The regulations do not require a signature on the GIEP, only the names and positions of the GIEP participants. The NORA (Notice of Recommended Assignment) indicates if parents agree or disagree with the child's program. If the parent believes the GIEP does not meet the needs of the child, then, within 5 days of the GIEP meeting, the parent must sign the NORA as "I do not approve this recommendation" and then state the reason for disapproval. What are the timelines?
Author: Judith Cunningham Gifted Education, Allegheny Intermediate Unit Reprinted from C-MITES News, Spring 2002 |