1. Gifted Behaviors Rating Scale
In Action!
Gifted Behaviors Rating Scale
When determining what level of service best meets a student’s needs, screening committees in FCPS use a holistic approach.
We know that no one score determines eligibility.
The Gifted Behaviors Rating Scale with Commentary (GBRS w/C) is one of the required instruments used in the screening process.
Advanced Academic Programs
Instructional Services Department
Fairfax County Public Schools

2. Why are we here today?
To discuss how we can identify potential in our students and refer them for Advanced Academic Services. Bottom Line: If we don’t advocate for our students, who will?

5. Reasons for Under-representation

7. Is this teacher using strength or deficit thinking?

8. There are many definitions for giftedness
There are many definitions for giftedness. They all have one element in common: A gifted person is someone who shows, or has the POTENTIAL for showing an exceptional level of performance in one or more areas of expression.
National Association for Gifted Children

9. FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services that provides all students with opportunities to engage in complex subject matter and helps prepare them for more challenging and rigorous classes as they advance in grade level OR as a student needs change.
Teachers, administrators, and specialists work together to make decisions that will provide the level of service that is most appropriate for each learner.

10. What do you see when you look at a student?

11. Identifying Potential
Observe your students
Give them opportunities for higher levels thinking and open-ended tasks including Creative and Critical Thinking Lessons (from AAP).
Take notes of behaviors and keep work samples (use your purple folder and graphic organizer)
Use the Gifted Behavior Rating Scale as a tool to rate and record exceptional behaviors

12. Talking About Gifted Behaviors
Clip of conversation with Candace talking about three of her students using descriptors from the GBRS continuum and looking at student samples.

14. The GBRS
Scale used by FCPS as one of the tools to identify students with potential for programs including Young Scholars and Advanced Academic Programs.
Contains 4 categories:
Exceptional Ability to Learn
Exceptional Application of Knowledge
Exceptional Creative/Productive Thinking
Exceptional Motivation to Succeed

15. GBRS continuum
The GBRS continuum includes a more specific breakdown of gifted behaviors and describes them on a continuum. Use this tool as you reflect on your students and their need for enrichment, challenge and AAP services.

16. Application: GBRS in action
In table groups, read the profiles for all four students
Discussing your assigned student profile:
Round Robin (start with longest haired person) in your group!)
Identify one example of gifted behavior shown by your assigned student .
Continue with the same student until each team member has shared an example or connection.
Take notes and be ready to share your observations with the whole group. Assign a spokesperson.

17. Reflect Think Pair Share: Think about your students
Take turns talking with a partner
How can you apply this information on gifted behaviors to your class?
How can we make sure students with potential are identified and nurtured?