Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners
Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners in FCPS Advanced Academic Programs
2e Handbook
What is 2e?
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) defines twice exceptional (2e) students as:
children, kindergarten through twelfth grade, who are identified as gifted by the identification and placement committee for the school division’s gifted education program and are also identified as a child with a disability as defined by Virginia’s special education regulations. The gifted identification qualifies the student for educational service options that support performance at increasing levels of complexity that differ significantly from those of their age-level peers. Identification as a child with a disability entitles the student to an individualized education program (IEP) in accordance with state and federal guidelines or a 504 Plan. The IEP specifies the individual educational needs of the child and what special education and related services are necessary to meet the child’s educational needs (8VAC20-81-110).
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), this means that a child is considered twice exceptional when they both:
- Are eligible for Subject-Specific, Part-Time, or Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services.
- Have either an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.
FCPS and the 2e Learner
The AAP and Special Education staff work closely to ensure that 2e students in advanced academic programs are provided with accommodations, specialized instruction, modifications, and/or services, as detailed in their IEP or 504 Plan in a variety of academic settings in response to the student’s individual needs.
Fairfax County Public Schools offers a continuum of advanced academic services for K-12 students. The continuum builds upon the students’ individual strengths and skills. AAP seeks to maximize the academic potential for all learners.
AAP and special education needs are not one-size-fits all. Both terms are broad categories that capture a variety of student needs.
AAP
FCPS offers a continuum of K-12 AAP services. FCPS recognizes advanced learning abilities may be in specific areas or may be generalized.
AAP is about matching the instructional needs of students whose development may be out-of-sync with their grade level peers.
Subject-Specific Strengths
Some students have subject-specific strengths and may have needs that differ significantly from those of their available peer group. For example, a student may have an interest in or pick up on mathematics concepts with more ease than their peers. In elementary school, AAP services for mathematics can be advanced math, a subject-specific service. In middle and high school, students can enroll in honors, AP, and IB courses.
Multiple Strengths
Other students have multiple content area strengths that differ significantly from their available peer group. They may require part-time or full-time AAP services at the elementary level and will take various advanced courses at the secondary level.
AAP Continuum
| Elementary AAP | Middle School AAP | High School AAP |
|---|---|---|
|
Special Education
Likewise, students with special education needs are not all the same. IEP and 504 plans specify the services that a student needs. Often the students’ needs are met with accommodations in the general education setting. Sometimes the student may require some hours in pull-out services. Some students may require an alternative setting based on the intensity of their special education needs.
Special Education Continuum
| General Education Setting | General Education Setting | Specialized Special Education Setting | Specialized Special Education Setting | Specialized Special Education Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Consultative Special Education Support | With Teamed Teaching Special Education Support | In a Self-Contained classroom | Located in a comprehensive school setting
| Not located in a comprehensive school setting
|
Intersection
Each student's needs are unique. The 2e Continuum is designed as a reference point for schools and families as they work together to meet the unique needs of each student. The purpose of the continuum is to show the variety of settings in which students may receive both types of services.
FCPS is committed to meeting students' needs -- whatever they are and wherever they are. Neither need is prioritized or negates the other. It is important to be thoughtful and flexible in designing the individual student’s programming so that they are receiving both types of services for which they have been identified.
Families and School Partnership
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) recognizes that strong family-school partnerships are critical to meeting the needs of twice-exceptional (2e) learners. These students benefit most when there is alignment between home and school, ensuring consistent support for their emotional, social, and intellectual growth.
FCPS's goals are to:
- Build strong family-school partnerships.
- Create a supportive environment in schools that fosters open communication.
- Provide a coordinated approach to addressing both academic strengths and learning challenges of 2e learners.
FCPS Recommended Resources
We recommended the following resources for parents or school staff who support 2e learners.
- Characteristics of 2e Learners - Examples of some strengths and challenges of 2e students.
- Supporting Social-Emotional Needs of 2e Students - Ways to support social and emotional needs of 2e students.
- Supporting 2e Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Information about some challenges for students with autism and ways schools and teachers can support students with autism.
- Common Misconceptions about 2e Learners - Seven “myths” about 2e students.
- Learn more about Neurodiversity Equity in FCPS
- School-based Intervention Programs for Behavior and Wellness - A list of behavior and wellness interventions that are used in Fairfax County Public Schools.
- Strategies to Support Homework and Classwork - A list of strategies to support 2e students with homework and classwork.
- School to Home Communication Tips - A list of tips to help parents talk to school staff.
Because we are a very large school district, we use multiple venues for providing professional development and support to schools and teachers. Our workplace training includes:
- Teacher training courses offered through the FCPS Academy.
- Professional presentations to school staff.
- Breakout sessions for school leaders in multiple formats.
Webinar Recordings
Videos to empower families and parents with tools and insights to better understand and advocate for their twice-exceptional child.
Characteristics and Needs of Twice-Exceptional (2E) Learners
(1 hour 30 minutes)
Building Family and School Partnerships for Twice-Exceptional (2E) Students K-12
(1 hour 11 minutes)
Transition from Elementary to Middle School and From Middle School to High School for Twice-Exceptional (2E) Students
(1 hour)
Supporting Ongoing Learning and Recreational Needs of Twice-Exceptional Learners in the Summer
(49 minutes)
Virginia Department of Education Resource
Supporting the Identification and Achievement of Twice-Exceptional Students
Special Education Instruction
Our Special Education Instruction program is designed to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Advanced Academics Identification and Placement
Learn about the referral and screening and selection process for Subject-Specific, Part-Time, and Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs.
Section 504 Handbook
Information on Section 504 and 504 plans. Includes procedural information and related forms and documents.