CMS recognized as a ‘Promising District’ for AIG programming
Posted on: 12/13/24
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools was named a Promising District by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The Promising District recognition highlights districts and schools that “exemplify an unwavering commitment to students and staff as well as innovation in offering a comprehensive Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program that is focused on expanding opportunities and excellence.”
CMS is one of 13 districts and two charter schools in the state to receive the recognition. Stephanie Cyrus, Gifted Education and CDM state consultant for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, presented the certificate to Lisa Pagano, director of Advanced Studies, and her team during an AIG professional development meeting.
“What CMS has done so well over the last several years is bring together mindsets, policies and practices that support gifted learners,” said Cyrus. “Your steadfast commitment to equity and excellence through intentional work and gifted education has produced a good deal of fruit, successfully expanding access through a robust comprehensive identification process and inclusive practices to serve students with demonstrated needs.”
During the recognition, Cyrus also shared that CMS was featured in the state’s Call to Action brief and guidebook which provides a framework for improvement and actionable steps for North Carolina districts and charter schools to realize equity and excellence in gifted education.
“The work you’ve done to expand opportunities and access while also providing support to teachers, students and other stakeholders serves as a model not only to our region, but our state,” said Cyrus. “We believe North Carolina is leading the country, so you guys are really forward in what you’re doing.”
Pagano said she’s proud of her team and their work.
“Our work aligns with our core value of academic excellence, and the work with our gifted education has exceeded expectations of the state,” said Pagano. “We are proud of this honor, but we know that there is more hard work to come and we can’t wait to take our work to new heights.”