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, Section 504, Gifted Education, or Child Find, please view the information below.
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.
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.
