Special Education and Gifted

Lauderdale County Schools complies with the Alabama Act 106 that mandates school systems identify and serve gifted students. Lauderdale County Schools follow the guidelines outlined in the Alabama State Department of Education, Administrative Code-Chapter 290-8-9-12, Gifted Section for Referral, Consent, Evaluation, Eligibility Determination, Placement/Service Delivery Options, Gifted Education Plan, Administration, Caseload, and Procedural Safeguards.

Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.

For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

To make a referral, contact the Gifted Specialist at your child's school.

• Megan Medley -- Rogers School and Wilson School
• Alyssa Mims -- Brooks Elementary
• Amanda Lee - Central High School, Underwood Elementary, and Waterloo School
• Vicki Faulkner - Lauderdale County School and Lexington School

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Meeks at the Lauderdale County Board of Education (kim.meeks@lcschools.org) at 256-760-1300, or contact the Gifted Specialist at your child's school.

Applications are released each Spring semester for the upcoming school year. 

T.O.P.S Preschool serves children ages 3 and 4 years old. 

For questions contact:

Kim Meeks, Director of Special Education
Teresa Baker, Special Education Secretary
Phone: 256-760-1300