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Curriculum & Federal Programs

Curriculum & Federal Programs Curriculum Mapping Title IX - A Gifted & Talented Program Title I-A Contact Us

Gifted & Talented Program

We believe advanced potential exists in every school, grade, and demographic group.

Payette’s Gifted and Talented (G/T) program ensures learners with exceptional ability or potential are challenged, supported, and growing, every year, in every school.

We identify learners early, monitor growth, and adjust services so every identified student makes measurable academic and personal progress.

Gifted & Talented Program Plan

Gifted & Talented Program Guide

To refer a student to Gifted & Talented please use the form here
G&T Referral Form

Learners who show high performance or strong potential in one or more of Idaho’s five talent areas:

Specific Academic: Advanced performance in reading, writing, or math
Intellectual/Reasoning: Exceptional problem-solving or abstract thinking
Creativity: Original ideas, design, or artistic innovation
Leadership: Motivation, influence, or initiative among peers
Visual/Performing Arts: Artistic or musical performance talent
Our identification system uses multiple opportunities, multiple measures, and local norms to ensure fair access for all learners.

Universal Screening: Conducted districtwide in grades K, 2, 5, and 8 using i-Ready, ISAT, IRI, and classroom performance data.
Referrals: Families, staff, or students may submit a referral anytime through a short online or paper form.
Multiple Measures: We may review achievement and aptitude data, portfolios, creative products, rating scales, and observations.
Local Norms: We look at how students perform compared to peers within Payette schools, not just national data. This helps identify advanced potential in underserved or rural populations.
Team Review: A building team examines the full body of evidence and communicates results in clear, family-friendly language.

Our program offers a tiered system of support to meet each learner’s needs through differentiation, enrichment, and acceleration.

K - 4

Learners receive instruction that matches their readiness in reading and math.
Weekly enrichment seminar (30 - 45 minutes) to build creative and critical thinking
Passion projects or independent studies with rubrics for guidance
Flexible math groups and subject acceleration when appropriate

5 - 8

Learners are placed in advanced or flexible groups for English Language Arts, math, and science.
Pre-assessments identify mastered content
Bi-weekly enrichment seminars with discussions, design challenges, and leadership projects
Early access to Algebra I, Geometry, or world language coursework when ready

9 - 12

Learners access advanced pathways aligned to strengths and postsecondary goals.

          Dual-credit, AP, and articulated CTE courses and capstones
Independent studies or mentorships in arts, research, or service leadership
Flexible scheduling for subject acceleration
Guidance on scholarships, competitions, and academic showcases


We coordinate Gifted and Talented with IEP/504/MTSS so strengths are developed and barriers addressed.


Each identified student has a brief plan that lists strengths, services, and annual goals. Progress is reviewed midyear and end-of-year, with adjustments made as needed.

Aug - Sep: Outreach; referral window opens; screening rosters set

Oct - Nov: Universal screening; evidence review; placements

Dec - Jan: Services adjust/launch; family updates

Feb - Mar: Midyear check-ins; seminar/enrichment cycles

Apr - May: Student showcases; annual program review

We value collaboration with families and keep communication clear and confidential.

Translations available on request
Family input welcomed throughout the year
Transfers reviewed quickly to maintain services
Annual program results shared publicly each spring


District Gifted and Talented Coordinator:

Marci Holcomb,  maholcomb@payetteschools.org

Building Gifted and Talented Leads:

· Payette Primary School: Mimi Rodriguez | mirodriguez@payetteschools.org

· McCain Middle School: Ariane Shumway | arshumway@payetteschools.org

· Payette High School: Hollie Fisher | hofisher@payetteschools.org

· Payette Academy: Lew House | lehouse@payetteschools.org