Academically and Intellectually Gifted Program Information Night Mrs. Dana Walters AIG Teacher – Highcroft Drive Elementary dwalters1@wcpss.net

What is Academically/Intellectually Gifted? The AIG program provides an appropriately challenging education for students who perform, or show potential for performing, at high levels of accomplishment. Gifted education services are given to students who consistently perform above grade level and demonstrate need for additional rigorous academic differentiation.

The AIG Program Seeks To… Foster high achievement and high growth Support needs and interests of gifted students Inspire the love of learning Nurture highly able learners “Advanced curriculum and high expectations are key to deep engagement that results in the demonstration of higher level thinking and achievement. Challenging highly capable students by providing advanced curriculum and high expectations are essential to promoting high academic growth.” (WCPSS AIG PLAN 2013-2016)

The Role of the AIG Teacher Serves the AIG students Assist in the planning and implementation of differentiated curricula and instruction Collaborate with classroom teachers K-5 Nurture 3rd grade students through the Explorers Program Serve 4th & 5th grade identified students through pull-out and co-teaching opportunities Tests and evaluates students Maintains and monitors AIG Program confidential records and data Communicate with parents, staff and administration (SBCGE)

Effective Strategies for Gifted Students: Increased complexity and challenge Tiered activities and assignments Varied questioning Varied texts and materials On-going formative assessments Projects and investigations Technology applications Curriculum management Differentiated instructional units/centers

Skills to be demonstrated by students: ANALYZE Can you dissect information to explore understandings and relationships? Student will: discuss uncover debate, test, question Investigate, calculate, examine Inquire, actively participate think deeply Skills to be demonstrated by students: break learned information into its parts to best understand information seeing patterns organization of parts recognition of hidden meanings identification of components

EVALUATE Can you make decisions based on in- depth reflection, criticism and assessment? Student will: judge dispute compare critique question justify actively participate Skills to be demonstrated by students: compare and discriminate between ideas assess value of theories, presentations make choices based on reasoned argument verify value of evidence recognize subjectivity

CREATE Can you generate new products, ideas or demonstrate new ways of viewing things? Student will: design formulate plan modify propose take risks actively participate Skills to be demonstrated by students: using old ideas to create new ones generalizing from given facts relating knowledge from several areas predicting, drawing conclusions

Curriculum Differentiation: Math AIG enriches the NC (Common Core) Math Standards Students attend AIG Math for 50-70 minutes one day a week (WCPSS = 45 minutes 1 x per week) Enrichment/Extension Units Mind Benders, Math Detective & Balance Math Challenging Common Core Lessons Creative Extension Projects

Curriculum Differentiation: E/LA AIG ELA supports the EL Program and NC ELA Standards Students are pulled for AIG Language Arts for 55-60 minutes, one day a week (WCPSS = 45 minutes 1 x per week) Balanced Literacy with Social Studies and Science Integration Critical Thinking/Analysis &Project Based Learning

F A N T S Y

Independence, Initiative, & PERSEVERANCE Engagement and EFFORT O E N I was actively engaged in the activity and participated in class.   I listened to directions and understood the assignment requirements. I worked to the BEST of my ability, put forth my BEST AIG effort, and my work shows it. Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve for EFFORT is… Independence, Initiative, & PERSEVERANCE I take initiative with my learning and work independently. I was interested in in the learning process and interested in learning new information. I pushed myself as needed to be accountable for my assignment. When the work got “challenging”, I persevered and did not give up. Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve for PERSEVERANCE is… THE 4 C’S: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity I listen actively to others and contribute to conversations appropriately. I respond positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others. In a group, I accept various roles and I complete an equitable share of the work. I can work with others to resolve conflict. I share information with others. I promote and use Critical Thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions. I can see creative new ways to try things and I am willing to try new things. Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve in THE 4 C’s is…

Responsibility and SELF-REGULATION I use my class time wisely.   I can follow directions with little support from Mrs. Walters. If I am confused or need help, I seek assistance as needed. I monitor my own progress on my assignments. I can truthfully evaluate myself and accurately reflect on my performance and behavior. I take responsibility for my behavior and can get myself back on track if needed. Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve in SELF-REGULATION is… Develops AIG QUALITY Products I completed the assignment/project on time. My assignment/project is completed with ACCURACY and PRECISION. My final published product contains ALL required elements. Any additional work is organized and shown neatly. I made an attempt to include creativity in the publishing process. Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve in QUALITY PRODUCT is…

What is “Struggle Time?” Grit is the quality that enables individuals to work hard and stick to their long-term passions and goals. " When students struggle with a task, they may believe that they lack the ability to solve the problem and, therefore, give up. It is important for students to understand that it is ok to feel confused when learning something new, and actually, it is expected. We can teach students that making mistakes or taking a long time to complete an assignment is a normal part of learning, not a sign of failure.” (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews & Kelly, 2007) Struggle Time is when the real learning happens – when students must demonstrate grit and resiliency – when perseverance and pride produce achievement and success…

Importance of a Growth/Flexible Mindset… emphasis on effort, resilience, grit, and recovering from failure Praise? Effort Vs. Intelligence

Next Steps for 4th and 5th Graders Identifications remain in place No additional testing is necessary (unless looking to identify in 2nd subject areas). Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) sent home by end of December. 5th Grade: Identifications remain in place Middle School AIG is consult-based and collaboration with teachers. Middle School Math Info 4th Grade: Identifications remain in place No additional testing is necessary (unless looking to identify in 2nd subject areas). Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) sent home by end of December. 5th Grade: Identifications remain in place Middle School AIG is consult-based and collaboration with teachers. Middle School Math Info

Duke Tip 4th - 6th Grade Talent Search DUKE TIP 4th-6th Grade Talent Search Enrollment Are you looking for more opportunities for your gifted student? That’s just what the 4th–6th Grade Talent Search benefits offer. Duke Tip is designed especially for gifted students seeking to discover and explore new interests while increasing their academic skills. Enrichment Activities Educational Programs Above level testing (PSAT’s) is offered as well. Duke Tip 4th - 6th Grade Talent Search PAGE Super Saturday

Communication Look for updates and announcements on my website – Can link through HDE’s website. Highcroft Website Mrs. Walters' Website Remind Any questions, comments, concerns??? Email is best method of contact – Please allow 24 hours for response. dwalters1@wcpss.net

Thank You For Attending! T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More