DEP Parent Meeting the TD Catalyst Model
Goals for Today’s Meeting Examine key components of the TD Catalyst Model. Answer parent Questions.
Purpose of TD Catalyst Model Allow the classroom teacher and the Talent Development Catalyst teacher to share responsibility for the education of the gifted and high-ability learner and provide appropriate learning experiences within heterogeneous classrooms.
Key Components Cluster Grouping Collaboration & Planning Instruction & Services Instructional Resources Collaboration & Planning Cluster Grouping
“Gifted education is NOT an add-on for 90 minutes a week because gifted learners are gifted all the time.”
Collaboration & Planning 1 Collaboration & Planning
Goals Differentiate instruction in the general education classroom Complement and supplement the standard curriculum Integrate instructional opportunities and resources appropriate for the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted and high-ability learners
Collaborators Classroom Teachers Talent Development Catalyst Teachers Facilitators Administrators Other staff members who contribute to the progress of gifted and high ability learners
Planning Time must be scheduled for the TD Catalyst Teacher and classroom teachers to collaborate Active participants during planning Grade Level Planning Vertical Planning Planning with Individual Classroom Teachers
Instruction & Services 2 Instruction & Services
Gifted Services Direct Indirect Instructional experiences that are the sole responsibility of TD Catalyst Teacher Learning experiences prepared by the TD Catalyst Teacher in collaboration with classroom teachers and implemented in the general education classroom
Direct Indirect Instructional experiences that are the sole responsibility of TD Catalyst Teacher. Lessons are developed, taught, and evaluated by TD Catalyst Teacher No correlation with instruction occurring in the classroom Talent Development Compliance components and assessment (2nd grade portfolios, CogAT, etc..) Learning experiences prepared by the TD Catalyst Teacher in collaboration with classroom teachers and implemented in the general education classroom Includes data analysis and professional development
Alternative Teaching One teacher manages the large group while the other takes a small group for a specific instructional purpose Group may be formed based on skill, mastery level, or interest Group may benefit from enrichment or remediation
Instructional Resources 3 Instructional Resources
Instructional Resources Utilize materials to support flexible pacing Integrate real-life problem-solving and problem-based learning Incorporate technology to extend studies Provide mini-courses/modules or independent study contracts
Technology Resources: Compass Learning Tenmarks DreamBox Google Classroom
Enrichment Clubs: Math Olympiad Coding Robotics: 3 Teams (kits needed: EV3 about $379.95) 2 4th Grade 1 5th Grade http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/products/mindstorms-ev3-31313
4 Cluster Grouping
Cluster Grouping Basics A group of gifted students clustered into a mixed ability classroom with a teacher who is trained to differentiate for gifted students. Purpose: To provide high ability students with a rigorous, faster paced curriculum and instruction in a group of their intellectual peers to ensure continuous progress in learning.
Cluster Grouping Benefits Gifted students have other gifted students to learn with. Achievement rises for all students. The needs of gifted students is more likely to be met since there is a noticeable group.
References Friend, M. (2014). Co-teach! Building and sustaining effective classroom partnerships in inclusive schools. (2nd ed.)Greensboro, NC: Marilyn Friend, Inc. Landrum, M. (2002). Consultation in Gifted Education: Teachers Working Together to Serve Students. Mansfield Center, CT: Creative Learning Press, Inc. Winebrenner, S. ( 2012). Teaching Gifted Kids in Today’s Classroom. (3rd ed.) Golden Valley, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.
Department Contact Information Lisa LaRotonda Elementary Specialist 980-343-6165 lisa.larotonda@cms.k12.nc.us Lisa Pagano Compliance Specialist 980-343-2700 lisa.pagano@cms.k12.nc.us Sheena Miracle Director of Advanced Studies 980-343-6174 sheenal.miracle@cms.k12.nc.us Trinette Atri Secondary Specialist 980-343-2795 trinettej.atri@cms.k12.nc.us Parker Morse Advanced Studies Specialist 980-343-2701 elizabethp.morse@cms.k12.nc.us