SPECIAL NEEDS LEARNERS
Services available to special needs-learners, ages 3-21, comprising
about 14 percent of the enrollment, are:
About 45 certified special education teachers and teacher assistants are employed to meet these students' educational needs. A diagnostic team evaluates students and designs individual instruction plans to meet their needs in the least restrictive environment. Home/hospital staff teach students with long- or short-term illness at home or in the hospital.
GIFTED/TALENTED STUDENTS
About 10 percent of all students are identified as "gifted
learners" in intellectual aptitude, academic aptitude, creative
thinking, leadership and visual/performing arts.
They are offered enrichment through collaborative, pull-out or accelerated programs in primary through the 12th grade.
In elementary grades, two teachers rotate among the four different schools, teaching students directly and collaborating with classroom teachers. Elementary GTC students are eligible for 4+1 Saturdays, a winter program.
Paducah Middle School offers GTC services to 7th and 8th grades, who complete individual research projects and other enrichment activities.
When gifted students reach high school, they may choose from accelerated honors-level courses in all basic subjects and Advanced Placement courses in 11 subject areas, ranging from art to calculus.
Visual and performing arts services are provided K-12.
For more information about any of these services, contact Tom Ballowe, director of special programs and services, at 444-5600; the school principal or the Board of Education.