MACC programs
At the elementary level, some districts offer Multi Age Cluster Classes (MACC) for gifted students in public schools. In the Vancouver School Board (VSB), these classes are stated to provide academic challenge and social-emotional support for highly gifted grade 4-7 students through an intellectual peer group and conceptually advanced curriculum. In Vancouver, Grade 4-6 students will be considered for MACC based on academic achievement, skill development, cognitive abilities, intellectual interests, creativity, and emotional maturity. Minimum criteria typically include:
- meets criteria to receive a P (Gifted) designation in the VSB
- reading and mathematics skills two or more grades above grade level
- two plus standard deviations above the mean on the district-administered cognitive ability test
- demonstrated ability to focus on tasks, enjoyment of complexity and marked motivation to learn quickly and to learn advanced level material. Students can expect to work with intermediate level curriculum
- autonomous, self-motivated learners
Students requiring remedial resource support or with significant behaviour challenges are not considered appropriate for MACC programming in Vancouver.
The Coquitlam school district offers a three-year Middle School program where identified gifted students in Grade 6, 7 and 8 are clustered together for the four core subjects – Language Arts, Science, Math and Social Studies. Applications are distributed in the Fall to district schools. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from MACC schools.
Please note that selection into MACC programs and the programs themselves differ between school districts.
Gifted Outreach Programs
Some districts also offer so-called “pull-out” programs for gifted or highly able students in the public system at the elementary level. Read more about these enrichment programs here.