The Gifted Program at Shawnee Mission South centers around the Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) of each student. Generally the plan emphasizes the student's talent or expertise.It may also include goals designed to maximize the potential of each individual. Students may enroll in a Gifted class as an elective or the student's progress may be monitored periodically throughout the school year. Student outcomes listed below provide the focus for classroom and I.E.P. goals:

  1. Students will have curriculum adjustments to meet individual needs.
  2. Students will demonstrate accomplishments in individual area(s) of expertise.
  3. Students will make appropriate college/career choices that match talents and capabilites
  4. Students will become autonomous learners.
  5. Students will demonstrate growth in critical thinking.

The Standard Curriculum available in all 5 Shawnee Mission High Schools is described as follows:

1. COMPACTING Compacting is defined as consolidating curriculum for any content area into a specified shortened time span. Requirements are fully completed for each course for a letter grade or competency credit.

2. UNITED STATES ACADEMIC DECATHLON CURRICULUM Academic Decathlon curriculum may include one or more of the following: economics, social science, mathematics, science, language and literature, fine arts public speaking, interview skills, essay writing, and comprehensive knowledge of specific documents. This curriclum is studied to prepare for team competitions.

3. INDIVIDUALIZED INQUIRY Individualized inquiry: independent research, in-depth studies in curricular areas, off-campus study, and other special activities as the IEP prescribes

4. CURRENT ISSUES Current issues: seminars, position papers, panels, reaction papers, speakers, and discussions of topics of societal/individual concern

5. COLLEGE AND CAREER OPTIONS College and career options: college selection, application process, scholarship search, essay writing, standardized test preparation, career surveys, interviews, resume' writing, and the identification of potential careers