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AIG Leadership Committee

Abby Exum - AIG Specialist

Heidi Miles - K-2 AIG Teacher

Sadie Alston - 1st Grade Teacher

Amanda Fuentes - 5th Grade Teacher

Elizabeth Spikes - Pre-K

Kourtney Kaalberg - ESL

Meredith Schartz - 4th Grade Teacher

Blythe Hutchinson - 3rd Grade Teacher

What is AIG? 

"Academically or intellectually gifted (AIG) students perform or show the potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experiences or environment. Academically or intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both the intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically or intellectually gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor." - State Definition of AIG Students, Article 9B (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5)

AIG at Lakewood

At Lakewood Elementary, students are served through push-in and small group pull-out. Typically, students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade participate in higher level lessons that include critical and creative thinking tied to the core curriculum. Third through fifth graders who are identified receive services through small, pull-out groups each week. Students who show mastery of core standards may also be nurtured in the small groups. 

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade -

INVESTIGATIONS! Enrichment lessons in each classroom one time a week

3rd, 4th and 5th Grades -

Small group lessons multiple times per week in Literacy & Math

AIG Specialist Responsibilities

  • Requires licensure – oversees the implementation of the district AIG Plan in the school and meets with school leadership.

  • Teaches weekly lessons in Kindergarten through second grade that develop critical thinking skills. 

  • Delivers instruction and services to students identified as gifted and students who are candidates for nurturing. 

  • Coordinates screening and identification. 

  • Maintains records related to gifted education procedures. 

  • Collaborates with other specialists and teachers at the school to differentiate learning for gifted learners. 

  • Communicates with teachers, counselors, and administrators about the needs of gifted students.

  • Facilitates the school's AIG Committee which meets monthly and the AIG Partnership Committee (for parents) which meets quarterly. 

  • Communicates regularly with parents about events concerning AIG students. 

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