Special Education

Focusing on the whole child

In Tuscaloosa County School System, we focus on the whole child and emphasize the ability, not disability of students. The TCSS Special Education Department strives to offer services in the least restrictive environment — to the maximum extent appropriate, providing an education in the same manner as it is provided to every other child, alongside peers in a general education environment.

Special Education addresses the educational needs of children in the district who have identifiable disabilities, from age three through twenty-one years, or until they receive their high school diplomas. In accordance with state requirements, the district arranges for evaluations for three to five-year olds and school-aged children with suspected learning disabilities (Child Find). The Special Education Department works collaboratively with the Problem-Solving Team (PST) in local schools to identify teaching strategies, best practices, and interventions to meet the needs of all students.

The Tuscaloosa County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, age or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA regulations.

The TCSS Special Education Staff is dedicated and committed to supporting instructional outcomes for all students. The department welcomes any comments and concerns. Please feel free to contact the Special Education Director, Dr. Gwen Hardnett, for more information or if you have any questions.

Main Contact

Mrs. Pam Stanley
Director of Special Education
205-342-2758

Department Phone

205-342-2756

Department Fax

205-342-2729

Gifted Services

Gifted services

Gifted services

Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations across all economic strata and in all areas of human endeavor. A student may be referred and considered for gifted services by school personnel, parents/guardians, or self. All second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.

For each student referral, information is gathered in the following three areas: Aptitude – Aptitude is assessed through an individual or group test of intelligence or creativity. Characteristics – A behavior rating scale designed to assess gifted behaviors is completed. Performance – At least three indicators of performance at a gifted level must be evaluated. These may include, but are not limited to, achievement test scores, grades, products, work samples, and/or portfolios. The scores from the assessments used are entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to criteria established by the Alabama State Department of Education. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

Gifted services for elementary students in grades K-2 in the Tuscaloosa County School System consist of regular classroom accommodations with consultation from a gifted teacher. The general education teacher will consult with the gifted teacher for differentiation to meet the special needs of gifted students. Gifted services for elementary students in grades 3-5 in the Tuscaloosa County School System will be school based. Pullout services will be provided by certified teachers in gifted education for a minimum of 3 hours per week. Sixth grade students who have been identified as gifted will have the opportunity to continue in the GATE program through the Creative Expressions 6-GATE course. This course will explore a variety of rigorous and creative critical-thinking topics and activities. Gifted services will be provided through the Academic Scholars Program for students in the seventh through eighth grades. Consultation will be provided by a gifted teacher. Gifted services for high school students in the Tuscaloosa County School System are student selected and may include any or all of the following: dual enrollment or early college admission, advanced level classes, honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, independent study, and cooperative education placements.

For more information about gifted services for students in the Tuscaloosa County School System, please contact any school Principal or the Tuscaloosa County Special Education Department at (205) 342-2756.

Department Administrators

TCSS Special Education Department Staff is dedicated and committed to supporting instructional outcomes for all students. For any urgent questions or concerns, call 205-342-2756.

Mrs. Pam Stanley
Director of Special Education
205-342-2758

Mrs. Alesia Cameron
Coordinator of Pre-School & Elementary Special Education
205-342-2789

Mrs. Nina Graham
Coordinator of Secondary Special Education
205-342-2735

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