Contributor Column from Hasan Sazci, Assistant Superintendent/Senior Director of Schools at LISA Academy Public Charter Schools.

Hasan Sazci has been an educator for more than twenty years and has been a leader at LISA Academy for eight years. Before becoming an Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Sazci served as a Principal for ten years, an Assistant Principal for two years, and a science teacher for three years. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from METU, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler, and an Educational Specialist in Leadership from the American College of Education. He is a proud husband and father of two, Sami and Rabia.

Cultivating Potential: How LISA Academy Powers Gifted & Talented Growth in a Charter Network

In Arkansas, charter schools are celebrated for their ability to innovate and meet student needs in dynamic ways. Supporting gifted and talented (GT) learners, however, is a particularly high bar — requiring rigorous academics, social-emotional support, differentiated instruction, and collaboration among students, teachers, families, and community.

At LISA Academy, this is not an add-on — it is central to the mission. And the results speak volumes: for two of the past three years, LISA has earned the top Gifted & Talented growth award among large districts from the Office of Education Policy (OEP) at the University of Arkansas.

So, how does LISA Academy achieve this level of success?

Please allow me to present a closer look at the philosophy, identification, programming, and insights coming from the Gifted & Talented work at LISA Academy.

A Holistic Approach to Gifted & Talented Education

LISA’s approach is grounded in a student-centered, holistic vision:

LISA Academy is committed to implementing a program that meets the unique social, emotional, and intellectual needs of gifted and talented students through the collaboration of students, educators, parents, and community members — and ensures opportunities for maximum growth and development for lifelong success.

Giftedness is not just about high test scores; it encompasses intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership, and social-emotional maturity. By partnering with students, families, and community members, LISA ensures that GT learners have the support, challenge, and encouragement to reach their full potential. This integrated program was established by Julie Hartle, Lisa Academy’s GT Coordinator.

Recognition from the OEP: Validating Growth

For the 2023–24 school year, the OEP awarded LISA Academy the highest overall GT growth score among large districts, a remarkable achievement marking the second consecutive year of recognition. The award reflects value-added progress in English Language Arts and Math compared with peers statewide, acknowledging schools that accelerate learning even for high-performing students.

We strive not just for recognition, but for continuous improvement. The award is one indicator that our systems are working — and that our students are truly growing.

This honor is a testament not to luck, but to deliberate, data-driven systems and a strong culture of continuous improvement.

Identifying Potential: Equity and Inclusivity

A key component of LISA’s GT success is a fair, multi-criteria identification process.

Nomination

• Students in grades 3–12 can be nominated at any time; second-graders are nominated in March–April.
• Referral sources include parents, teachers, peers, students, and community members.
• LISA promotes awareness through staff training, classroom visits, parent conferences, newsletters, and social media.

Assessment & Placement

• GT identification is needs-based, not score-based. Data from multiple sources — assessments, teacher and parent input, and work samples are compiled into a profile matrix for the GT committee.
• Placement decisions are made with the student’s best interest in mind, minimizing bias.
• GT identification is ongoing, allowing students to be referred and tested again in subsequent years.

Giftedness isn’t static. We make space for students to emerge over time, and we test referrals once per year to accommodate that growth.

This approach ensures that all students with potential have the opportunity to thrive.

Program Options: Tailored to Every Grade

Once identified, GT students have access to programs that evolve with their grade level:

• Kindergarten – 2nd Grades: Whole-class enrichment with an emphasis on literacy and creativity.
• 3rd – 5th Grades: Resource Room: (Pull-out) program for deep inquiry and enrichment projects.
• 6th – 12th Grades: Advanced coursework options, including Honors, Accelerated, Pre-AP, AP, and Concurrent Credit.
• All Levels: Differentiated and individualized instruction in core classes.

Our focus is always: “What’s next for this child?” We never believe a student has “arrived.” The GT program must stretch and grow with the learner.

This tiered model ensures that students are continuously challenged, whether through content depth, independent projects, or acceleration.

Enrichment and Showcases

Beyond coursework, LISA enhances GT learning through special events and student showcases.

The GT Student Showcase is a hallmark initiative:

• Celebrates student ownership of learning.
• Encourages public presentation and community engagement.
• Invites parents and community members into the GT ecosystem.

Enrichment extends to guest speakers, mentorships, and seminars that expose students to opportunities beyond the classroom, cultivating leadership, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Why LISA’s Approach Works

LISA Academy highlights five reasons for the program’s consistent success:

1. Intentional systems and feedback loops

Success comes from systems — not heroics. We build feedback loops in every facet of GT: teacher observations, student reflections, periodic review of performance data, and surveys with families.

2. Professional development and GT mindset

Our teachers are learners too. We invest in training on differentiation, depth, acceleration, and social-emotional learning for gifted students.

3. Culture of high expectations + compassion

We expect excellence — but we build in grace. Gifted learners need challenge, yes, but also belonging, affirmation, and emotional scaffolding.

4. Parent and community partnership

We treat parents and community as co-educators. Their insights, support, and advocacy are essential to sustaining momentum.

5. Scalability across a charter network

Shared frameworks and cross-campus collaboration ensure consistent implementation and student experiences across LISA Academy’s multiple campuses.

Measuring Success Beyond Test Scores

While OEP awards reflect academic growth, LISA defines GT success across multiple dimensions:

• Acceleration and challenge: Ensuring students never run out of meaningful next steps.
• Social-emotional well-being: Supporting resilience, growth mindset, and belonging.
• Student agency: Encouraging inquiry, self-advocacy, and leadership.
• Community engagement: Connecting students with mentors, professionals, and real-world learning.
• Equitable access: Serving a diverse population of gifted learners.

Lessons for Charter Schools

For other charter networks aiming to strengthen GT programming, LISA’s experience offers clear guidance:

1. Start with a clear purpose and values.
2. Use intentional, multi-criteria referral and assessment.
3. Invest in teacher capacity and professional development.
4. Build robust systems and feedback loops.
5. Ensure scalability across campuses.
6. Center student voice and agency.
7. Celebrate and showcase student work.
8. Engage families as partners.
9. Commit to continuous improvement.

Conclusion

LISA Academy’s two-year streak as the top GT growth district in Arkansas is more than recognition — it’s proof that rigorous, equitable, holistic gifted programming is possible at scale. This was accomplished through the combined efforts of many LISA Academy leaders, including Dr. Agam Altyyev, Maria Foshee, and Julie Hartle.

We’re building legacy, not a moment. When we do this work well, we empower students not just to succeed — but to lead, to dare, to shape their world.

For charter leaders, educators, and families, LISA Academy’s GT program demonstrates that with vision, collaboration, and intentional systems, gifted students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally — preparing them to become tomorrow’s leaders.