Welcome to Back to School Night Ashlee T. Boehret Spectrum - grades 6, 7, and 8 Eligibility Coordinator

B.A., Mary Washington College M.A., George Mason University Gifted Certification, James Madison University Teaching Experience: Arcola Elementary School, Farmwell Station Middle School, Broad Run High school, Dominion High School and George Mason University Teaching experience overseas: Université de Valenciennes and The American School in Switzerland

Experience with Gifted Children: A.P. French V/Prep for AP Exam Differentiation of lessons Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) SEARCH Teacher/Facilitator, Gifted Identification Process Gifted Identification and Placement Committee Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Admissions Test Virginia Governor’s School Parent of a gifted child - Spectrum at Simpson MS

Quotes from our Spectrum Students “There are a lot of things I wish I could do to change the world.” “Spectrum is cool because you learn things but you don’t have to stress out about getting all the answers right the first time around.” “I am creative and like to think out of the box.” “I love being educated.” “My favorite subject is math. I like to be challenged.”

“I want a degree in Astrophysics and I want to devote myself to utilize anything given to me.” “I really love working with robots.” “I would like to work for the government as an engineer.” “I saw this girl helping a tremendous amount of times, and it inspired me to help out those with mental disabilities.” “I love determination. I think it’s the key to success!”

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.

Three Overarching Goals for the 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).

Highlights of Spectrum Learning Deductive reasoning: Use deductive reasoning to solve complex mathematical problems as part of an engaging detective scenario. Synergistic decision-making skills: Learn to come to a consensus using synergistic decision-making skills as part of survival simulations that take place around the world.

Highlights of Spectrum Learning Practice inquiry, research and investigative skills using technology to enhance understanding. Devise solutions to authentic, “real-world” situations and problems. Utilize collaborative skills on multiple team projects/products. Participate in a national contest: Continental Mathematics League.

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 Survivals – Cascade and Desert Problem Solving – Independent and Cooperative Mind Benders/Tanglers Simulations - IF Investigating Future Multiple Intelligences – Brain Investigation Communications - American Sign Language Economics – Park Design Math/Problem Solving - Continental Mathematics League Competition/Logic Problems

8th Grade Curriculum Synergistic Team Building–Survivals – Whitewater/Caribbean Decision Making – Lifestyles Auction/Verdict /Learning Styles Resumes Problem Solving Mysteries – The Barbeque with the Vampire Economics – Rainbow Bay Analyzing & Socratic Seminars Math/Problem Solving - Space Day, Continental Mathematics League Competition/Logic Problems/Mind Benders Ethics

Scheduling for 6th and 7th grade Time in Spectrum is approximately 42 minutes The block is split between Spectrum and a music or art elective- there is NO resource Example of a schedule Block 1/2 Band or Chorus (first half) Block 1/2 Spectrum (second half)

Scheduling for 8th grade Time in Spectrum is approximately 42 minutes The block is split between Spectrum and Resource Example of a schedule Block 1/2 Resource (first half) Block 1/2 Spectrum (second half)

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

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)

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology 8th Grade - For the most updated information regarding TJ or AOL, please refer to the websites below for information. Academies of Loudoun www.lcps.org/aol Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology www.tjhsst.edu

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

Exit Ticket Please take a moment to complete the GoogleForm.

All are welcome to stop by the Spectrum classroom. We are in Room 726. Thank you for coming! 6th and 7th Grade Parents: You will go to your child’s other half of the block that shares with Spectrum. 8th Grade Parents: You will not go to Resource, but you may stop in to visit our Spectrum classroom (Rm. 726) All are welcome to stop by the Spectrum classroom. We are in Room 726.