Gifted Program
Enhanced Learning Program Mission
Within a climate of high expectations for all, we will ensure gifted students’ growth and achievement through systems of academic support and through programming and advocacy. Whether it is in the area of specific academic talent, cognitive ability, or leadership, the Queen Creek Unified School District is committed to providing time and resources to ensure that students maximize their potential.
Program Goals
The Queen Creek Enhanced Learning Program (ELP) is designed to meet the educational needs of students in K-12 who have been identified as gifted, or scoring 97% or above on aptitude tests. This program strives to:
- Reflect unique abilities, interests, and talents of each child
- Develop higher order thinking skills
- Increase growth of the entire child
- Refine critical and divergent thinking skills
Testing and Program Admittance
While students can be identified as early as kindergarten, it is highly recommended that initial testing for gifted is done in second grade. Primary students often find the assessment daunting as they are not acclimated to standardized testing. Additionally, primary grades are when students develop core foundational and social skills. These skills ensure a student’s future academic success. Second through fifth grade students can be tested during one of the three testing windows.
- Fall: August
- Winter: January
- Spring: May
Referral forms are available at each elementary school. For additional ELP/Gifted testing information, please contact the school counselor.
Gifted Teachers
Dr. Seth Kaesler
Desert Mountain Elementary/Queen Creek Elementary
skaesler@qcusd.org
Jamie Glen
Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary/Jack Barnes Elementary
jglen@qcusd.org
Kalle Hatanaka-Cushing
Gateway Polytechnic Academy
kcushing@qcusd.org