Gifted & Talented Programs
About LEAP
In 1979, the Waynesville School District initiated LEAP (Learning Enrichment and Acceleration Program) for identified gifted students. The first year 35 students were served in grades one through six. The district continued to expand the program and currently serves students K-12.
For instructional and personnel purposes LEAP is divided into six components: grades K-2, 3-4, 5, 6, 7-8 and 9-12. LEAP programs are coordinated to provide continuous development of a student's potential and education within the framework and time of the program. Although they may differ in activities and emphasis, they have the same rationale and purposes.
During the first year of LEAP a logo contest was held and the LEAP frog logo was chosen by the students.
It was drawn by Tracey Terrel, a fourth grade student.
Criteria to Qualify for LEAP
The district must use at least three of these four areas to place a child in gifted services. Students must meet the General Mental Ability criteria as one of the required three areas
"I happen to like the label "gifted" because it means to me that the child did nothing to deserve it. It means the child has a gift that was given to him and because he has that gift, he has certain responsibilities. He is not "better than," merely "different from." And with the gift goes the responsibility to use it." ~ Walter Barbe
Program Model
Waynesville’s LEAP curriculum is based on the six areas outlined on the Portrait of a Gifted Learner and the Missouri Gifted Learner Outcomes. Some areas receive more emphasis on a specific component, although all components work in all areas.
Complex Reasoning, Creative Thinking, and Affective Processing are the three main domains with Global Mindedness, Communicating Effectively, and Executive Functioning being sprinkled throughout lessons.
Sites and Scheduling
LEAP K-5 is housed at Waynesville Middle School.
LEAP K-1: This class will consist of students in first grade at the beginning of the year. As kindergarten students are screened in the fall, they will be added to the class with the goal of all kindergarten students to be placed by the second semester .
LEAP 3-5: Students will be grouped by grade level. There will be two third grade classes, three sections of fourth grade, and three sections of fifth grade.
LEAP 6: There will be two sixth grade classes. This is a regularly scheduled class for students to attend daily at Waynesville Sixth Grade Center.
LEAP 7-8: This is a regularly scheduled class for students to attend daily at Waynesville Middle School.
LEAP 9-12 is housed at Waynesville High School. Services are provided in a resource model in which students will engage with the LEAP teacher on a regular but flexible basis based on student need and interest.
Contact:
For more information about the LEAP program, please contact:
Christina Wallace - LEAP facilitator: cwallace@waynesville.k12.mo.us or
Shauna Smith - District Special Ed./LEAP Coordinator: ssmith@waynesville.k12.mo.us