Talent Development

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)

MDE Gifted Education 

Minnesota Council for the Gifted & Talented (MCGT)

Free Parent Webinars - UConn Renzulli Center

Twice Exceptional- Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented

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Join our Gifted and Talented Advisory Council and help shape the curriculum for future students. Visit our Gifted and Talented Advisory Council (GTAC) page for meeting information, dates and times.

Click here for more information- District 196 Talent Development Services

Talent Development in District 196 Middle Schools

Flexible and Fluid Service Model: 

District 196 elementary schools cluster identified students in grades 3-5. Talent Development specialists support cluster classroom teachers with differentiating for advanced academic needs in core instruction and in guided groups.

Students whose advanced academics needs extend beyond what can be provided in a cluster classroom may be referred for single subject and/or grade level acceleration.

Talent Development services in District 196 is an inclusive, flexible and fluid model. A student does not need to be formally identified to receive support for their high academic and learning ability needs. Talent Development services are provided through flexible grouping based on district assessments and ongoing assessments in the classroom which are based on the content and standards being presented at that time.

Under revision, information coming soon.

If a student has been identified in another district or state, contact Amy Miller, Talent Development Coordinator, Amy.B.Miller@district196.org, for information about documentation for identification in District 196.

Click here for more information-Elementary Cluster Classrooms

A cluster classroom is a regular grade level class with a small group of identified students together in the same class. The cluster classroom teacher receives support to meet the learning needs of advanced students in math and/or literacy in their class. Cluster classrooms in 3rd-5th grades is an efficient way to provide advanced learning strategies to students throughout the school day.

Every District 196 elementary school has cluster classrooms in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Many schools have more than one cluster classroom in each grade level. A cluster class includes identified students with a range of abilities. The number of identified students in a cluster class varies. It is recommended that the number of identified students in a cluster class not exceed one third of the class.

District 196 recognizes that students with superior abilities may have their needs best served by grade acceleration or single subject acceleration. Grade acceleration or single subject acceleration will be recommended only after other appropriate program changes or modifications have been deemed inadequate to meet the academic and emotional needs of the student in the student's current grade placement. This determination will be made by an assessment team. 

For more information- District 196 Acceleration Information

Grade Acceleration (grade skipping)

• Grade Acceleration of Students in Grades K-8 
• Request for Consideration of Grade Acceleration Form

Single Subject Acceleration

• Single Subject Acceleration of Students in Grades K-8 
• Request for Consideration of Single Subject Acceleration Form

Early Entrance to Kindergarten

• Early Entrance to Kindergarten
• Request for Consideration for Early Entrance to Kindergarten Form