Gifted and Talented Education They’re Not Just Gifted On Thursdays!

Defining Giftedness There are many definitions of the gifted. The federal definition has transformed over the years. The most recent definition that appears in the No Child Left Behind Act states: There are many definitions of the gifted. The federal definition has transformed over the years. The most recent definition that appears in the No Child Left Behind Act states: “The term 'gifted and talented', when used with respect to students, children, or youth, means students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.” (Section 9101(22)) (Page 544)

NISD Core Beliefs We believe that… kids come first. kids come first. continuous improvement is critical for success of the Northwest Independent School District. continuous improvement is critical for success of the Northwest Independent School District. the success of each student is the shared responsibility of students, families, schools and communities. the success of each student is the shared responsibility of students, families, schools and communities. environment influences learning. environment influences learning.

District Advanced Academics Mission Statement The Advanced Academics Department, in partnership with parents and community, will provide students a premier education, preparing them to be successful, productive citizens.

NISD Qualifications Minimum of 3 Criteria for Quantitative Data Minimum of 3 Criteria for Quantitative Data CogAT and/or Naglieri, and ITBS CogAT and/or Naglieri, and ITBS Minimum of 2 Criteria for Qualitative Data Minimum of 2 Criteria for Qualitative Data KOI, GATES, Slocumb/Payne, NISD Parent Checklist KOI, GATES, Slocumb/Payne, NISD Parent Checklist

GOAL STATEMENTS To provide differentiated educational services promoting critical and creative thinking skills. To provide differentiated educational services promoting critical and creative thinking skills. To engage students in an academically challenging and motivating program. To engage students in an academically challenging and motivating program.

GOAL STATEMENTS To identify and implement best practices in teaching gifted students. To identify and implement best practices in teaching gifted students. To support the needs of highly able students by providing training for teachers. To support the needs of highly able students by providing training for teachers.

District Curriculum Philosophy Statement At Northwest I.S.D., the education of identified gifted students is based on the following six areas of emphasis: At Northwest I.S.D., the education of identified gifted students is based on the following six areas of emphasis: Problem Solving Problem Solving Critical Thinking Critical Thinking Creative Thinking Creative Thinking Research Skills Research Skills Independent Learning Independent Learning Communication Skills Communication Skills

Problem Solving The student uses a variety of approaches to solve problems; develops thoughtful questions; plans, organizes, implements, evaluates, and presents solutions

Critical Thinking The student demonstrates skills of complex thinking; sees relationships; examines facts and variables; makes deductions based on logical reasoning.

Creative Thinking The student uses divergent thinking; sees things in new and different ways. The student shows fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration in generating and presenting ideas.

Research Skills The student asks open-ended research questions and develops a plan for answering them; gathers information from relevant sources; clarifies research questions and evaluates/synthesizes collected information; purposefully organizes and presents ideas/conclusions.

Independent Learning The student organizes time and work; uses a variety of resources; sets high standards of quality; completes self- directed learning; develops innovative products and performances.

Communication Skills The student communicates effectively; listens actively; participates effectively in a group.

NISD GATES Progress Report

On Going Lessons Throughout the Year Scholarly Behaviors- Future Texas Scholars! Scholarly Behaviors- Future Texas Scholars! Depth and Complexity- Digging deeper into our learning Depth and Complexity- Digging deeper into our learning Research and Writing Skills Research and Writing Skills Technology Integration Technology Integration

GATES Program Service your GT children with a weekly pull out program Service your GT children with a weekly pull out program Minimum standard per week and Conceptual Lens/Units of Study: Minimum standard per week and Conceptual Lens/Units of Study: K – 60 min Wonders K – 60 min Wonders 1 – 60 min Cultures 1 – 60 min Cultures 2 – 90 min Processes 2 – 90 min Processes 3 – 120 min Structures 3 – 120 min Structures 4 – 150 min Change 4 – 150 min Change 5 – 150 min Trends 5 – 150 min Trends

Websites for Gifted Resources racteristics.htm racteristics.htm

Bottom line… We will make sure that gifted children’s needs are being addressed EVERY DAY. We will make sure that gifted children’s needs are being addressed EVERY DAY. We will make sure that appropriate lessons (differentiated, tiered, compacted, engaging, respectful tasks) are provided. We will make sure that appropriate lessons (differentiated, tiered, compacted, engaging, respectful tasks) are provided. We will challenge our gifted students with care, dignity and respect. We will challenge our gifted students with care, dignity and respect. We will honor and cherish their differences, from their classmates & from each other. We will honor and cherish their differences, from their classmates & from each other. We will NOT have a “One Size Fits All” program. We will NOT have a “One Size Fits All” program.

Other Opportunities Duke TIP Duke TIP Destination Imagination Destination Imagination UIL UIL TAGT website-student tab includes many games and high interest activities in many subject areas TAGT website-student tab includes many games and high interest activities in many subject areas Math and Reading Enrichment Math and Reading Enrichment

Questions, answers, concerns…

Revised August 2009 Thank you so much for your valuable time! Joanna Espinoza, GT Specialist