Accelerated and Enriched Instruction → Twice Exceptional Students and Services
Twice Exceptional Students and Services
Introduction
Twice exceptional students are identified as gifted and talented and also have met criteria for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. These students have a unique profile of significant strengths and weaknesses, thus they require support and special services in order to access appropriately challenging curriculum. The information on this site is designed to support parents and educators as they strive to identify and determine appropriate services for twice exceptional students in MCPS.
Programs and Services for Twice Exceptional Students
MCPS is one of the very few school districts in the nation that offers comprehensive services for students who are twice exceptional at the elementary, middle and high school level. Twice exceptional students access accelerated and enriched instruction with appropriate supports and services at their local school, within a magnet/choice program, or within a special education discrete service (e.g. GT/LD, Asperger's, Bridge). Links to information about common options are provided below.
Wings Mentor Program - The WINGS Program, coordinated by Accelerated and Enriched Instruction, is designed to provide additional support to gifted/learning disabled students who are struggling to succeeding in the regular education classroom.
Magnet and Choice Programs- Given their intellectual and academic strengths and interests, many twice exceptional students are good candidates for magnet or choice programs.
Options: An Introduction to Montgomery County Public Schools Application, Choice, and Immersion Programs - This guide to countywide programs that are available at the elementary, middle, and high school levels aims to help families learn about the many programs available to students. Gifted and Talented/Learning Disabled (GT/LD) Program [IEP based]
- Elementary
This program provides a self-contained classroom for Grade 3 students. As students enter Grades 4 and 5, inclusive opportunities are provided in mathematics and other IEP recommended content areas. All special education teachers, paraeducators, and when appropriate general education teachers provide special education services to students as described in the IEP. - Secondary
The program provides a self-contained resource classroom with access to appropriate content instruction as identified through the middle school course offering and Individualized Education Program (IEP) recommendations. All special education teachers, paraeducators, and when appropriate general education teachers provide special education services to students as described in the IEP.
School-Based Special Education Services - A comprehensive list and descriptions of all MCPS school-based special education services including local school and discrete services (e.g. GT/LD, Asperger's, Bridge, ED).
Frequently Asked Questions: GT/LD Discrete Services - Additional information about MCPS' GT/LD programs.
MCPS Resources
Twice Exceptional Students: A Staff Guidebook for Supporting the Achievement of Gifted Students with Disabilities - Information for staff about twice exceptional students and services.
GT/SLD Characteristics Checklist for Staff- This checklist is designed to assist teams in determining whether or not a student may be suspected GT with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). It may help teams to discuss whether a referral for GT/LD services may be appropriate.
Request for Twice Exceptional Student Support Form- School teams should use this form to request support in meeting the needs of twice exceptional students.
MCPS High Incidence Accessible Technology (HIAT)- Information and resources related to assistive technology in MCPS.
Interactive Frequently Asked Questions- An interactive FAQ that will answer your basic questions about twice exceptional students, GT/LD programs and services.
GT/LD Characteristics- A 10-minute interactive presentation focused on understanding the pattern of strengths and weaknesses of GT/LD students.
MCPS Professional Development
Countywide Professional Development- Log onto PDO to review current countywide offerings (use the search term "twice exceptional").
School-based Training - Available by requesting support through the Division of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction.
Additional Resources and Weblinks
- GT/LD Network- A non-profit, parent organization dedicated to supporting gifted students who learn differently.
- NAGC Position Paper: Students with Concomitant Gifts and Learning
- NAGC Position Paper: Twice Exceptionality
- Your 2E TV
Contact Information
For more information, please contact the twice exceptional instructional specialist in the Division of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction.
Phone: 240-740-3110