The Special Programs Department promotes opportunities for gifted and disabled students to participate in educational activities designed to facilitate maximum student achievement.
For information about Special Education, Gifted Education, or Section 504, please click one of the links below.
In Marengo County School System, we focus on the
whole child and emphasize the ability, not disability
of students. The MCSS Special Education
Department strives to offer services in the least
restrictive environment — to the maximum extent
appropriate, providing an education in the same
manner as it is provided to every other child,
alongside peers in a general education environment.
Special Education addresses the educational needs
of children in the district who have identifiable
disabilities, from age three through twenty-one
years, or until they receive their high school
diplomas. In accordance with state requirements,
the district arranges for evaluations for three to five-
year olds and school-aged children with suspected
learning disabilities (Child Find). The Special
Education Department works collaboratively with the
Problem-Solving Team (PST) in local schools to
identify teaching strategies, best practices, and
interventions to meet the needs of all students.
The Marengo County School District does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, creed, marital status, age or disability in
its programs, activities, or employment practices as
required by the Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section
504, and ADA regulations.
The MCSS Special Education Staff is dedicated and
committed to supporting instructional outcomes for
all students. The department welcomes any
comments and concerns. Please feel free to contact
the Special Education Director, Mrs. Kathy Pritchett,
for more information or if you have any questions.
The Marengo County School District is in search of students who display gifted
characteristics. If your child or a child you know may be considered gifted, please
contact your school guidance counselor, or contact:
Marengo County Schools Special Education Coordinator
P. O. Box 480339
Linden, Alabama 36748
(334) 295-4123
Definition of Gifted
Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.
Eligibility Determination
Students may be referred for consideration for gifted services by teachers, counselors, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist. For each student referred for gifted services, information is gathered in the areas of aptitude, characteristics, and performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted service. An Eligibility Determination Team will determine eligibility based on the results of aptitude/creativity test scores, student products, portfolios, work samples, and grades.
