All students attending St. Mary's County Public Schools will have the opportunity to engage in higher level thinking activities and instruction. Instruction will continue to be differentiated according to students’ needs.

Gifted and Talented Programs

Students in grades 3, 4, and 5, who have been identified as Gifted and Talented in the area of reading, will receive specific instruction using supplementary materials. This instruction will be in addition to regular classroom instruction and may be delivered as part of flex grouping, guided reading, or a pull out program.

• William and Mary Program

Highly Able Program

Students who have not been formally identified as Gifted and Talented, but are highly able, will still receive appropriate differentiation in the classroom or as a pull out program.

• Junior Great Books

Programs for All Students

All students have the opportunity to engage in higher level thinking instruction activities.

Grades K-5 Higher Level Thinking Programs for All Students:

• Guided Reading Groups