THE GRT (Gifted Resource Teacher) The role of a GRT at the high school level is to be an advocate for all gifted students. Unlike elementary school, the GRT may not be a face all students see each day. Instead, the GRT works both in front of and behind the scenes ensuring all gifted students receive the best instruction in their respective classrooms. Additionally, the GRT provides one-on-one assistance at teacher, students, or parent request. Any gifted student who repeatedly receives failing grades will meet with the GRT monthly to discuss and implement additional interventions.
THE CLUSTER MODEL In Virginia Beach, all high schools use the Cluster Model to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of all gifted learners. In conjunction with the GRT, guidance counselors and administrators work diligently to group gifted students in high concentrations for each class. The GRT is then able to form a cluster of teachers with whom she plans, collaborates, co-teaches, and reflects.
SEMINAR COURSES The GRT teaches two semester-long classes in a blended (online and face-to-face) format. Think Tank is a course provided to 9th-10th graders, while SPARKS is for 11th-12th graders. Any gifted student may sign up for either course, which is provided both semesters. Both courses aim to improve critical thinking, problem-solving, independent research, and effective communication skills.
GOVERNORS SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Students in grades nine through twelve are eligible to attend the Governor's School for the Artsin Norfolk, Virginia. Students must complete an application and audition for the intensive programs in dance, music, musical theatre, theatre, and visual arts. The applications are available from the school all year and the adjudication process takes place in January.
Students take academic classes at their regular high schools in the morning and attend the Governor’s School for the Arts for three hours every afternoon during the regular school year. For each year they attend, students may earn three credits.
Students in Virginia Beach City Public Schools are identified as gifted in the visual and performing arts upon acceptance to the Governor's School for the Arts.
SUMMER RESIDENTIAL GOVERNORS SCHOOL Summer Residential Governors Schoolprovides gifted high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in agriculture, foreign languages, the humanities, life science and medicine, mathematics, science, and technology or the visual and performing arts. Students also may consider a mentorship experience in engineering or marine science.
Any tenth- or eleventh-grade student meeting the requirements may apply for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools. Applications are made available in October. Applications may be obtained online at the website above. Based on the September 30 student enrollment, each school division has a specific number of nominations it may send to the Virginia Department of Education.
Nominations may be made by teachers, guidance counselors, peers, or by the students themselves. A VBCPS selection committee forwards the nominees to a state selection committee. Consideration is given to students’ academic records, test scores, extra-curricular activities, honors and awards, creativity, original essays and teacher recommendations.
Students applying for the Visual and Performing Arts Summer Residential Governor’s School program must participate in the local audition, usually held late in November, in order to be considered for possible nomination from VBCPS. Nominated students participate in a statewide adjudication in early January. Students join with other Virginia school districts and audition or present portfolios for review before professionals in the specific arts field. Students are notified of their acceptance status for all summer programs in April of each year.