LEAP

LEAP's mission is to prepare students for success by building an awareness of real-world issues, integrating the use of technology, developing problem-solving abilities and emphasizing the application of creative and critical thinking strategies to examine ideas from multiple perspectives.

Elementary School LEAP

Identified students in grades 1-5 attend classes at the LEAP Center, located at the Idea Center, located on the Lindbergh High School Campus. Students participate in the program one day each week. Elementary school LEAP curriculum consists of thematic, multidisciplinary units that encourage exploration and investigation, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.

Middle School LEAP

Middle school students in grades 6-8 are scheduled for LEAP instruction in the gifted classrooms of Sperreng Middle School and of Truman Middle School. Middle school LEAP curriculum consists of thematic, multidisciplinary units that encourage the skills of creative thinking, critical thinking, research and leadership.

High School LEAP

The high school gifted program offers students grade level seminars and an elective class option. Students are also encouraged to frequent the gifted resource room to seek out guidance from the gifted specialist, and utilize college resources and other reference materials. High school gifted curriculum focuses on students initiating and completing investigations that relate to their own interests, talents and abilities.

This curricular framework provides for flexibility and choice. Students are encouraged to develop approaches to all course material that best suit their individual needs and academic, social or personal goals.

Eligibility Process

Universal Screening

All Lindbergh students in grades 1-5 will participate in universal screening. Families will be notified if their students qualify for further gifted screening, and more information will be solicited at that time.

For students in grades 3-5, our gifted specialists will review each student's fall math and reading standardized test scores and begin testing eligible students. Testing will start with fifth graders and work its way down to third graders. This same process will be used for 1st graders after winter testing. Qualifying students will start LEAP in the semester following identification to ensure all students in each grade level are screened equitably.

Students in second grade will be screened using a nonverbal logical reasoning assessment. This screening will take place during the spring semester for potential enrollment at the start of third grade.

Gifted Screening Referrals

Referrals will be accepted for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and private, parochial and homeschooled students. Referrals for students in grades first through fifth should be considered if the student did not qualify as part of Universal Screening and demonstrates the majority of the following gifted characteristics:

Excellent reasoning, analytic, and comprehension skills
Strong planning and problem-solving skills; strategic and persistent
Exceptional processing ability
Advanced vocabulary
Advanced verbal and written skills; expressive
Curious; seeks new information
Observant and intuitive
Strong sense of right and wrong
Passionate about certain topics
Creative
Willing to take risks; attracted to complex and unique challenges
Strong leadership skills
Empathetic

Referrals submitted between January 1 through August 31 will be part of the first semester testing cycle, with testing occurring during the fall semester of the current school year. Referrals submitted between September 1 through December 31 will be part of the second semester testing cycle, with testing occurring during the spring semester of the current school year or the summer prior to the next school year, depending on the number of referrals. Qualifying students will start LEAP in the semester following identification to ensure all students in each grade level are screened equitably.

Please complete the LEAP Referral Form for students who meet the criteria outlined above.

Considerations

Transfer Students

Students transferring into Lindbergh Schools who were previously enrolled in a gifted program may submit results from intelligence and achievement tests that were administered by their former school districts. Tests need to be the same or similar to those used by Lindbergh Gifted Education for consideration and enrollment. Previous enrollment in a gifted program does not guarantee enrollment in LEAP.

Students with academic and achievement scores at or above the 95th percentile will be considered for LEAP.

The LEAP eligibility process is approved by the Lindbergh Schools Board of Education and certified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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LEAP Student Identification

LEAP is a state-assisted program and therefore must comply with state guidelines. Students are assessed in the following categories to determine possible eligibility for gifted services:

Intellectual Ability

Intellectual ability is measured using a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved scale of intelligence. The typical score for students who qualify is in the 95th percentile.

Academic Ability

Academic ability is measured using a nationally norm-referenced test with a score in the 95th percentile (or higher) in the reading and/or math subtest, with a minimum score at the 84th percentile in the other subtest (math or reading).

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning is measured using a nationally norm-referenced test nonverbal or quantitative reasoning assessment. Students must score at the 95th percentile for further consideration.

Other Evidence as Determined by the District

Families and teachers may complete a referral questionnaire addressing the student’s creativity, problem-solving and perceived aptitude for advanced learning.

Targeted Identification Pathway

In order to ensure program equity, and to comply with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommendations, a targeted identification pathway has been developed for individuals traditionally underrepresented in gifted education. Please contact the Gifted Education Coordinator for more information.

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