KNOW
DeKalb Schools add hundreds more Black and Hispanic students to gifted education programs
DeKalb County Schools added more than 350 Black and Hispanic students to gifted programs last year, a 40% increase that marks a major shift in who gets identified as gifted.
“For the first time in at least a decade the largest subgroup of newly identified students as gifted are African American,” said Norman Sauce III, DeKalb’s chief of student services.
The change happened because DeKalb made it easier for students to get tested for gifted programs in the first place. And it resulted in more students from all backgrounds being identified as gifted.
In Georgia, students must pass a series of tests to qualify as "gifted," a label that ostensibly gives them access to advanced coursework and classes. But before students can even take those qualifying tests, they first have to meet a screening requirement.
DeKalb lowered that initial hurdle: Previously, students had to score at least in the 90th percentile on the fall MAP test in order to start the gifted testing process. Last year, DeKalb lowered that requirement to the 75th percentile and added another qualifying test.
The district didn’t significantly change how students are taught or lower the final standards for gifted eligibility. (Those are set by the state.) DeKalb just gave more students the chance to show they meet the gifted criteria.
In recent years, Black and Hispanic students made up about 40-45% of students identified for gifted education even though they represent about 80% of students.
“A small change in practice resulted in some really impressive improvements,” said Evelyn Johnson, a member of an external research team that analyzed the new policy for the district.
ICYMI
DO
Historic Brookhaven Party, Ashford Park Splash Pad and More
🥳 Historic Brookhaven Neighborhood Association Annual Street Party
Friday, Sept. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Triangle park at Lakehaven Drive NE and Davidson Drive NE
Featuring food and beverage trucks, games, face painting, a live DJ and more. Wear your favorite team's color or jersey.
💦 Last Day to Visit Ashford Park Splash Pad
Monday, Sept. 30
Ashford Park, 2980 Redding Road
The park is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday’s supposed to have a high of 82°. Just sayin’.
🎨 Paint the Park
Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Blackburn Park, North Pavilion near Ashford Dunwoody Road
Come create art alongside artists of all ages, with awards given in several categories for those under 14. Winners will be featured in the City’s annual Paint the Park calendar Art supplies and canvases will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
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EAT
Banana Pudding, Restaurant Month and More
☕ Brookhaven’s Summit Coffee Now Open
Daily | 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Brookhaven City Centre, 4001 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta’s newest Summit Coffee location is now open at Brookhaven’s City Centre. Enjoy coffee, pastries and sandwiches at city hall.
🎃 Win Free Ice Cream
Deadline: Sept. 29
Enter Southern Custard’s Halloween-themed flavor contest for a chance to win a free pint of your flavor and a $15 gift certificate. Flavors must be Halloween-themed (think pumpkins, candy, ghosts, monsters). Winner will be notified on Sept. 30. Enter today.
🍽️ Last Chance to Use Your Brookhaven Restaurant Month Pass
Through Sept. 30
Download the free Brookhaven Restaurant Month Pass for food deals and exclusive experiences at selected restaurants. Check in at three participating restaurants this month and you’ll earn 15% off your ticket to Taste Brookhaven on Oct. 2.
Want to see your food or restaurant event featured? Email [email protected]
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