Definition of Giftedness: The G/T Program is based upon two definitions of
giftedness which serve as a foundation for talent development in the program
and selection of students.

Definition One: Gifted behavior consists of behaviors that reflect an interaction
among three basic clusters of human traits above average ability, high levels of
task commitment, and high levels of creativity. Students demonstrating gifted
behaviors are those possessing or capable of developing this composite set of
traits and applying them to any potentially valuable area of human performance.
(Adapted from Joseph Renzulli's definition.)

Definition Two: Highly able students are those who have been talent spotted as having outstanding abilities in the area of general intellectual capabilities,
specific academic aptitudes, or the creative, visual, or performing arts.
(Annotated Code of Maryland, 8.201.202.)

The Howard County Public School System subscribes to multi-dimensional
definitions of giftedness, seeking to recognize and develop talents in students.

High School Program : Each high school has one G/T resource teacher and
designated G/T content area teachers who coordinate the following program
services.

G/T Courses: Each high school offers G/T courses in English, science,
mathematics, social studies, computer science, foreign language, art, and
research. Included in the high school course selections are advanced placement courses. Students who score well on an advanced placement examination at the
end of the course may be granted advanced placement status or college credit
upon entering a college or university. Students enroll in G/T and advanced placement courses based on course prerequisites. A detailed description of specific G/T courses and prerequisites can be found in High School Program of Studies. The Guidance Department at each school can also assist in registration
for these courses.For more details about the G/T Program at Hammond High School, please
contact Mrs. April Lerner, G/T Coordinator at 703-313-7615 or at
april_lerner@hcpss.org.

Gifted and Talented Program: The program provides distinctiveservices for advanced-level learners in academic areas and the visual and performing arts. Program services offer accelerated and enriched learning opportunities. Program implementation varies at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

The 2010 - 11 Course Catalog lists all approved high school courses for Howard County Schools for the school year. Due to enroll-ment and staffing differences at each high school, course selections vary from school to school. For specific details on courses offered at Hammond High School, please contact Ms. Jane Mooney, Student Services Director, at 410-313-7620.

Advanced Placement Courses Challenge Students and Can
Lead to College Credit. College credit may be earned by taking an Advanced Placement course, if a student scores well on the Advanced Placement examination. An Advanced Placement course on a student's transcript demonstrates to a college that the student is prepared for academic challenges.
An AP course is designed as a college level course, with rigorous classwork, extensive assignments and challenging tests. The course prepares students to take the AP examination in May. Qualifying test scores range from 3 to 5 and determine eligibility for college credit. Each college and university has requirements that determine which scores will be accepted for credit. Go to the web site, appotential.collegeboard.com to learn more about AP courses. Your student's access code is found on their PSAT/NMSQT score roster. Please contact your child's counselor, AP teacher or Instructional Team Leader if you have further questions.

School Support Services

Interested in HCPSS School Curriculum:
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To find out more about HSA's, please see the:

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HSA Test Dates 2009-2010       

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Ten Top Things Parents Need to Know About the HSA's

HSA/MSA Report Card