Exceptional high school students choose college credit rather than gifted studies

The Walton County School District doesn't offer a stand-alone high school gifted program due to lack of interest by students. Instead, students are choosing to take Advanced Placement courses or duel enrollment, according to Rosemary Ragle, coordinator for exceptional student education and psychological services.

The majority of gifted students are college bound, so their interest lies in things that will get them accepted in their college of choice. Their priorities are on the required courses, academic clubs, community services and general resume building, according to Ragle.

Additionally, high school students must take certain mandated courses, filling their schedule, unlike younger students who have a less demanding schedule and an increased interest in gifted studies, according to Ragle.

"I have not had a parent of a secondary student express any concerns for the need of a gifted only course," said Ragle. "It has not been a priority."

According to Ragle, approximately 245 students are gifted countywide, making up 3.5 percent of the student body. About 50 students, 9 percent of the school population, are gifted at South Walton High School. Approximately 20 percent of the 575 students attend AP courses.

South Walton High School is the only secondary school in Walton County to offer Advanced Placement courses and duel enrollment. Other high schools only offer duel enrollment, according to Mark Ewing, South Walton High School principal.

"We offer eight to 10 AP courses, depending on availability of teachers," said Ewing. "We offer English literature, biology, physics, calculus, U.S. history, environmental science, government and economics. AP psychology and European history are offered when teachers are available."

The school has brought in more courses to help students be more successful with high school exit tests and college entrance exams. It also increased the AP and duel enrollment courses to encourage parents to keep their kids here in the county, instead of sending them to Okaloosa, according to Ewing.

"Students were leaving Walton County to attend Niceville High School. Up until about three years ago that was a fairly significant drain in the south of the county," said Ewing. "We were losing students to Okaloosa County schools because of the academics."

According to Ewing, Walton County has never used a stand alone gifted class, instead opting for a "consult" method. With this method, gifted teachers interface with the student's regular teachers and parents to ensure an appropriate level of challenge and rigor is in their coursework. The teachers send home a monthly consult sheet so the parents are informed as to class progress.

Another reason for the lack of gifted classes is due to the lack of qualified teachers. To teach a gifted class, the teacher must be certified in a subject area as well as having the gifted endorsement. Since there is no monetary incentive to adding the gifted endorsement, most teachers choose not to do so, said Ewing.

"Our gifted kids are integrated into the total school environment," Ewing said. "They are not viewed as ‘elitist' because they are mixed in with other bright, motivated kids who are of like mind."