(Teacher’s Observation of Potential in Students) Module 4: TOPS (Teacher’s Observation of Potential in Students) Level 1: Introduction Recognizing Potential Mary Ruth Coleman, PhD and Sneha Shah-Coltrane, MA U-STARS~PLUS Using Science, Talents, and Abilities to Recognize Students~ Promoting Learning for Underrepresented Students © 2011 CEC

To appropriately recognize potential in students, A teacher must know what to look for. Classroom responses should support high-end learning. The classroom climate should be emotionally supportive, so children will show us their best.

U-STARS~PLUS “The Big Star” Teacher’s Systematic Observations

Systematic observation: Recognizing outstanding potential

With a teacher’s eye, we see our students every day, and through our observations we come to know them. We also learn about their family situations, their interests, and their habits. Because our knowledge of our students is often deep and comprehensive, we are likely to be able to recognize the indicators of potential that others may miss. Coleman, M. R. (2005, Fall). With the eyes of a teacher. Teaching for High Potential, 1-2.

In what ways can TOPS help you… Recognize strengths in a your students? Think differently about the needs of your students? Plan your instruction? Communicate with others in a more positive way?

What do you notice about the TOPS forms?

TOPS… Starts with an observation of the whole class. Moves to individual observations of some individual children.

Nine principal domains guide the observations. These domains encompass areas where a child’s strength shows indications of high potential. Specific behaviors within each domain are examples of strength in this domain.

TOPS Nine Principal Domains Learns easily Shows advanced skills Displays curiosity and creativity Has strong interests Shows advanced reasoning and problem solving Displays spatial abilities Shows motivation Shows social perceptiveness Displays leadership

Recognizing Potential Through Observations of Student Behaviors Reflect on the behaviors that may indicate a strength in a domain. For each category, jot down the name of a student you have taught or person you have known who exemplifies this domain for you. What is their story?

Recognizing Potential Through Observations Domain 1: Learns Easily Domain 2: Shows Advanced Skills Domain 3: Displays Curiosity and Creativity

Recognizing Potential Through Observations Domain 4: Has Strong Interests Domain 5: Shows Advanced Reasoning and Problem Solving Domain 6: Displays Spatial Abilities

Recognizing Potential Through Observations Domain 7: Shows Motivation Domain 8: Shows Social Perceptiveness Domain 9: Displays Leadership

Your Personal Norm- Referenced Group The individuals you named will serve as your personal reference for each domain. The students you have taught over the years serve as your personal norm-referenced group. Thinking of these individuals and your students should help as you work to spot the strengths in your students. Remember that we need to actively search for potential in all of our students!

In what ways can TOPS help you… Recognize strengths in a your students? Think differently about the needs of your students? Plan your instruction? Communicate with others in a more positive way?

TOPS Helps teachers to … Recognize students with outstanding potential Gifted characteristics manifest over time in multiple settings Behaviors include both “teacher-pleasing” and “non-teacher-pleasing” Viewing all students as “at potential” versus “at risk” Whole class  individual basis Inform instruction Areas of student strengths and needs Creating an observable classroom environment

TOPS This teacher tool also helps to… Communicate with parents Use during conferences as a talking point Be clear and specific, while supportive and productive Gain parents’ insight Share with other teachers – over time and settings Pass information on to next year’s teachers Share with other teachers involved with student; more complete picture Don’t reinvent the wheel! Pass on your experience and expertise!

“Be careful how you view the world: It is that way.” (Johannes Kepler, 1571-1630) = You get what you look for