A body of evidence will be used when identifying student exceptionality to determine appropriate academic placement. Data are collected in four areas: achievement, performance, aptitude, and behavior. An explanation for each area is listed below, and the possible data from each area that may be used as sources demonstrating exceptional ability.

·Achievement: Primary Skill Assessments, District Assessments

·Aptitude: A nationally normed, standardized measure of cognitive ability will be administered by a school psychologist or other qualified professional.

·Performance: Progress Reports, Classroom Observation, Student Work Samples

·Behavior: Teacher Rating Scale, Teacher Indicator, Parent Rating Scale, Parent Indicator, Classroom Observations and/or Interviews

Please note that not all sources under each area may be used for selection into the district Trailblazer Program.  And interviews may be held with the students/parents to gain additional information to determine placement.

Laramie County School District 1 believes gifted/talented students have distinct academic and affective needs. The Trailblazer Program is a district-wide, K-6, self-contained program designed to meet the academic needs of students identified as “exceptional” by virtue of outstanding academic abilities. The program uses both single and multi-grade configurations and is located at Pioneer Park Elementary School.

The goal of the Trailblazer Program is to assist students in maximizing learning and reaching their highest academic potential. The curricula focus on the processes of higher order thinking skills, cooperative learning, creative problem solving, and inquiry-based discovery to meet and/or exceed district curricula expectations.