What is the goal of the gifted program at YHALE?

At Yi Hwang Academy of Language Excellence (YHALE), we strive to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive socially, emotionally and intellectually. The goal of the gifted program is to provide curriculum and instruction that will develop the abilities and talents of gifted learners to help them become self-directed learners in our global community. We promote and teach 21st century skills such as advanced communication, critical and creative thinking, problem solving and collaboration.

What are the characteristics of gifted learners?

Gifted learners are diverse and come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. Although each student is unique, gifted learners often exhibit similar traits and characteristics such as:

• Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers 
• Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics  
• Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age 
• Strong sense of curiosity 
• Quirky or mature sense of humor 

How does YHALE identify gifted learners?

Students can be referred to the gifted program by a teacher or parent, or they can be automatically referred through the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment. Referrals may begin in the Spring semester of first grade. YHALE evaluates and identifies gifted learners according to the Georgia Department of Education Gifted Education Eligibility standards. Assessments include the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test), Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking and the Gifted Evaluation Scale. 

How does YHALE serve gifted learners?

Gifted learners have unique cognitive, social and emotional needs and require a supportive and challenging learning environment. At YHALE, gifted learners in grades 2-5 will receive direct services through a resource class. A gifted-endorsed teacher will pull small groups of students out to provide interdisciplinary enrichment activities that meet the interests, strengths and needs of the gifted learners. Middle School gifted learners will be grouped together using the cluster model in their classroom. A gifted-endorsed teacher will provide advanced content and enrichment using differentiated teaching strategies. 

Resources

• 2024-2025 GaDOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services​
• GA Gifted Education Referral and Eligibility Process Chart​
• National Association for Gifted Children
• GA Association for Gifted Children

Contact

For any questions, please contact YHALE’s Gifted Coordinator, Diana Ung, at [email protected].