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

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

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.

Three Overarching Goals for the LCPS Gifted Program 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 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 that take place around the world. Practice inquiry, research and investigative skills using technology to enhance understanding

Highlights of Spectrum Learning Devise solutions to authentic, “real-world” situations and problems Utilize collaborative skills on multiple team projects/products Participate in National contests: Continental Math League, eCybermission

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 1 Business and Economics :  “Ad Agency”, groups compete against other groups while creating ad campaigns

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 1 Communication and Culture : Archaeology/ Anthropology unit planning a field trip to Natural History Museum in D.C. (if buses are available)

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 1 Ethics and Perspectives : Synergistic decision-making skills for Survival Simulations around the world

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 1 Above-grade level Math/Problem Solving : Continental Math League, Math/ Detective Scenarios

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 1 Collaborative Problem-Based Learning: “Mystery Disease” when students assume the role of county public health workers to investigate and solve a crisis Tanglers

6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 1 Technology and Engineering : eCybermission, a national STEM competition of the Army Educational Outreach Program Groups of 3-4 Complex, lengthy project with teacher as facilitator Solving a problem in the community Students choose from several topics

Ecybermission We invite you to look up ecybermission.com Look under “About” to find: Mission Challenges Judging (gives rubrics/scoring) for the projects for engineering process or scientific inquiry

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 Talent Search- link on Mrs. Jensen’s website 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; heighten 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: 7:00-8:00 in classrooms according to your student’s schedule.