Welcome to Back to School Night Spectrum Teachers Peggy Jensen 8th grade, Eligibility Coordinator Heather Jackson 6th and 7thgrades

Spectrum is the Loudoun County Public School program designed to meet the needs of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade intellectually gifted students.

Proficiencies in Spectrum Exercise critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; Respect the ideas and opinions of others; Strive to build group cohesiveness;

Proficiencies in Spectrum Use creativity, curiosity, and imagination; Expand oral and written communication skills; Enhance technology skills through STEM units.

Scheduling for Spectrum 6/7th grade: The block is split between Spectrum and a music or art elective- there is NO resource. Example of a 6/7th grade schedule Block 2 Band or Chorus (first half) Block 2 Spectrum (second half) 8th grade: The block is split between resource and Spectrum.

Overarching Goals: LCPS Gifted Program 1) To become divergent, creative thinkers who recognize problems and solve them. 2) To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and of the world around them. 3) To develop the capacity for self- assessment (ownership of the learning). Adapted from Re-thinking Curriculum for the 21st Century, by Art Costa

Highlights of Spectrum Learning Use deductive reasoning and above grade level math skills to solve complex mathematical problems as part of an engaging detective scenario. Learn to come to a consensus using synergistic decision-making skills as part of survival simulations Practice inquiry and investigative skills using technology to enhance understanding

Highlights of Spectrum Learning Devise solutions to authentic, “real-world” situations and problems (“One to the World”) Utilize collaborative skills on multiple team projects/products Participate in challenging and above grade level national and local contests: Continental Math League, eCybermission, Step Up Loudoun

Spectrum Curriculum Themes Business and Economics Communication and Culture Technology and Engineering Ethics and Perspectives These 4 categories are covered by various units over the middle school Spectrum curriculum.

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 2 Business and Economics:  Environmental Park Communication and Culture: American Sign Language with Geocaching

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 2 Technology and Engineering: eCybermission, a national STEM competition of the Army Educational Outreach Program www.ecybermission.com- rules, topics and judging is all under “About” ** see handout Ethics and Perspectives : Synergistic decision-making skills for Survival Simulations and Socratic Seminar (cloning)

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 2 Collaborative Problem-Based Learning: Phantom of the Bell Tower; Math Mystery and Deductive Reasoning Step Up Loudoun http://www.loudounyouth.org/programs- 2/the-step-up-loudoun-youth- competition/

8th Grade Curriculum Business and Economics: Stock Market Game™ as part of a personal finance and investing unit;

8th Grade Curriculum Communication and Culture: Socratic Seminars “The Verdict”, a court trial simulation (unscripted)

8th Grade Curriculum Technology and Engineering : eCybermission, a national STEM competition of the Army Educational Outreach Program www.ecybermission.com- rules, topics and judging is all under “About”

8th Grade Curriculum Ethics and Perspectives : Discussions on fictional and real-life scenarios in the fields of business, health/medicine, entertainment, and digital citizenship Synergistic Team Building : Survival simulations around the world

8th Grade Curriculum Above-grade level Math : CML Problem Solving and Team building : “Rainbow Bay”, a simulation incorporating business and engineering skills Each team acts as an engineering firm Must plan a road system in a fictitious area Keep in mind budget and environment Step Up Loudoun

Spectrum Field Trips: In–school: Experts will be visiting us! Career options explored this fall 8th grade: Lawyers/Staff from the Loudoun Co. courts to act out a “mock” trial where students will act as jurors. 6th/7th grades: A presentation by an ASL interpreter will enrich our unit of studies.

Apply to T.J., A.O.S., A.E.T. Only 8th grade students can apply On-line registration Point of Contact: Guidance Counselor Mrs. Sarah O’Brien- (all deadline reminders) Check the AET, AOS and/or TJHSST website for updated information often!!! STRICT DEADLINES!!!!!

Assessment of Students Students are evaluated each semester based on the following four areas: Thinking skills Research skills Independent learning skills Interactive learning skills

Refer to the Spectrum Semester Teacher Assessment Two-sided Spectrum Teacher Assessment for each semester One completed by the teacher, AND one completed by the student as a self- assessment Sent home in January and June with the semester report cards (Q 2 and Q 4)

Enrichment Opportunities Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Summer Schools and Camp Activities (UVA, Duke, Johns Hopkins) Loudoun County Public Libraries- writing contest, special speakers Check the Gifted website and LCPS website Check the SHMS website for a list of clubs

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (C.T.Y.) Talent Search, link on our teacher websites SHMS school code: 2014803 Optional, tuition-based program that may be of interest for further enrichment SHMS is ranked among the best in LC

Thomas Edison said, “Genius is: 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Jensen say: Original ideas and divergent thinking are a beginning; enhance it with perseverance!

Thank you for coming! Feel free to contact us by email : peggy.jensen@lcps.org heather.jackson@lcps.org The remainder of your evening is in classrooms starting at 6:15 starting with advisory according to your student’s schedule.