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).

Supporting the Identification and Achievement of the Twice-Exceptional Student: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF; pages 5 and 6)

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

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.

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.

Professional Development

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.

Families and School Partnership

We recognize that strong family-school partnerships are critical to meeting the needs of 2e learners. Twice-exceptional students benefit most when there is alignment between home and school. This alignment makes sure there is consistent support for the student's emotional, social, and intellectual growth.

Our goals in FCPS are to:

• Build strong family-school partnerships.
• Create a supportive environment in our schools that fosters open communication.
• Provide a coordinated approach to addressing both academic strengths and learning challenges of our 2e learners.

FCPS Recommended Resources

We recommended the following resources for parents or school staff who support 2e learners.

Who are 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. 

Resources for Parents and Schools

• 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.

Virginia Department of Education Resource

Supporting the Identification and Achievement of Twice-Exceptional Students