Gifted & Talented in the Arts

Seeking Referrals for the CHRHS Gifted and Talented Program in the Arts

Complete the process (explained below) and submit all materials, including a portfolio, by October 21, 2024 for the Fall Screening and again April 15th for Spring 2025 screening.

The Gifted and Talented Arts program at CHRHS offers students opportunities for enrichment and advanced study in the Visual and Performing Arts in ways that go beyond CHRHS class offerings. G/T Arts opportunities are available to students who have been identified as Gifted or Talented in the Visual or Performing Arts, and, as space permits, to students who may not be identified, but who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment, interest, or aptitude for the Arts.

The GT Arts program encompasses the following types of offerings: Extended Studio Workshops, Enrichment Outings, and Independent Study in Visual/Performing Arts. The specific offerings for a given year are determined based upon the needs of identified students, the availability of community artists, and the opportunities for Enrichment Outings that may be available. Students who are identified as Gifted/Talented in the Visual and Performing Arts are eligible to participate in these opportunities. Other students who are not identified as Gifted and Talented, but who are interested in the Visual and Performing Arts, may also participate in these opportunities as space permits.

Extended Studio Workshops: These are typically day-long workshops offered during the school day, in which area artists (this terms encompasses both visual and performing artists) come to the school and offer a specialized workshop. The goal of the workshops is twofold: first, to expose children to arts experiences that are not typically part of our regular school programming; and second, to connect gifted students with adults who have meaningfully integrated the arts into their lives, perhaps (but not necessarily) professionally. Because children who are gifted and talented in the arts may have questions about how the arts will fit into their lives as they mature, these adult connections are intended to address the child's need to expand and grow as an artist as a part of their social and emotional needs.

Enrichment Outings: These are special cultural outings that are offered throughout the year to expose students to high-caliber arts opportunities that are not available in school. Examples of enrichment outings include artist studio tours, museum visits, and theatrical or musical performances. The scheduling of these opportunities will vary depending upon the nature of offerings that are available within a reasonable distance from CHRHS. They may occur during the school day or outside of the school day.

Independent Study in Visual/Performing Arts: Linked to the coordinated Independent Study/Directed Study Program opportunities already in place at CHRHS, these Independent Studies in Horizons Arts VPA provide the most flexible format for identified students to advance their technical and process skills over the course of one semester. Direction is provided and support available to make the Study a successful turning point in the development of student talents. Here is the link to the Independent Study application: Independent Study Application.

Enrichment Opportunities for 2023-2024 will likely feature virtual Arts Masterclasses with area artists.

GT Arts Identification Process

Step 1: Fill out Referral Form—Need at least 2 different types from the list at the bottom of this webpage:

The identification process begins with a referral of the student for screening, using at least TWO of the following referral instruments:

* Teacher Referral Form (either for Visual or Performance Arts)

AND/OR

* Student Self-Referral Form

AND/OR

* Parent Referral Form

AND/OR

* Community Member Referral Form

Although only one of these forms is necessary to begin the referral process, at least TWO of the four must be completed for identification to be possible. All forms may be submitted through this webpage by using the links provided at the top; however, the identification committee only meets at certain times of the year. Therefore, regardless of when a referral form is submitted to begin the process, the process will not be complete until the next meeting of the identification committee.Typically the committee meets Mid October of each school year, allowing incoming students time to complete their application. Once identified, a student retains that identification as long as he/she remains at CHRHS-- the process does not need to be repeated each semester. However, once designated, the student is required to attend all Mandatory meetings and / or communicate with the VPA GT coordinator. Failure to attend is grounds for expulsion from the program.

Step 2: Submission of Evidence (Live Performance Demonstration or Visual Arts Portfolio)

Each student must submit a written statement and visual or sound evidence of their ability in the visual and/or performing arts, through a Live Performance Demonstration or a Visual Arts Portfolio, as appropriate. Visual Arts Portfolios must be a minimum of 10 slides demonstrating a student's level of commitment to their craft. The portfolio should be submitted as a PDF (it can be created on any platform, however please then export into a PDF format for ease of viewing) then please upload or email to the VPA Gifted & Talented coordinator. Once a deadline is set and applications collected the work will be presented anonymously to the VPA GT committee and a decision will be made. Students are encouraged to submit the most recent work, nothing older than 1-2 years. All CHRHS students will be made aware of deadlines via online platforms, announcements, and flyers.

What should be in the Portfolio for Visual Arts and/or Performing arts?:

Visual Art - A written paragraph or 2 explaining why the VPA GT program is right for you, how the arts have impacted you, what you hope to gain and why it is important. Your visual art portfolio should be about 10 slides of different artwork you have done or are currently working on. (some slides may be process shots or inspiration or multiple views) You should only include work from the last year oe 2. The most current work is the most important, as well as the list of classes you are currently taking.

Performing Arts - For Live Performance Demonstrations, A written paragraph or 2 explaining why the VPA GT program is right for you, how the arts have impacted you, what you hope to gain and why it is important. Upload a video of a performance to Youtube, and then email a link to the VPA GT Program Coordinator, or stop by and airdrop your performance to the coordinator or whatever other feasible method you can think of!

Keep in mind, there is only 1 designation (VPA GT designation) If you are a multifaceted artist (performing and visual) please share! It is helpful for the committee to see all sides of you as an artist!

The VPA GT Program Coordinator will keep these on file and share them with the identification committee at the appropriate time. All materials will be kept confidential.

Current VPA GT Program Coordinator, Kirsten Campbell Art Wing, room 476, [email protected]

Step 3: Review by the identification committee

Student submissions will be reviewed by an identification committee of qualified educators in accordance with state law. For a student to be eligible for identification, at least 3 pieces of evidence must be reviewed:

At least TWO of the four referral forms listed above (self, teacher, and/or parent/community member)
An Art Portfolio (visual 8-10 slides) or Preformance (live recording)
And probably most important - everyone must include 1-2 paragraphs of why they should have a VPA GT designation and

Example of a Visual Art Portfolio Below - This is especially strong because it #1 is presented in a clean, professional style, #2 the student demonstrated a wide range of interests and explorations in the visual arts, #3 elevated the slides with clear explanations of what and why