A Plan for the Whole Child Understanding and Developing Advanced Learning Plans By: Sheri Collier CUI 4401

DO NOW - K-W-R-L CHART PINK POST IT - please write down what you know about ALP’s (post in the “k” part of the chart) YELLOW POST IT – please write down what you have wondered about or WANT to know (post in the “w” part of the chart) BLUE post its – write down resources you have used for gifted students (please post under the “r” part of the chart)

Objectives Acquire background knowledge for Advanced Learning plans Learn about quality and measurable goals Understand progress monitoring and expectations Explain that this is the first of several trainings to help all teachers understand better ways to meet the wide variety of students that we have in our classrooms.

How do students qualify? Achievement data Currently we screen with the CoGAt in 2nd & 6th grade 97th percentile Academic data Currently we use NWEA as a screener TCAP can also be used Social Emotional data Teacher survey (Gifted Educational Scale) Parent survey Psychologist report COGaT – explain the difference between achievement tests vs. intelligence tests vs. academic knowledge (possible have the school pschy help with this) Provide a handout on the characteristics of a gifted child for teachers to have as a resource.

Qualified…now what? By Colorado law students that qualify are placed on an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP). They are flagged in Infinite Campus The plans are held in orange folders and in Alpine (for students in 27J – they get a 27J plan) Review handout from CDE of Fast Facts Review the importance of the law and CDE. Lead them to the CDE webpage for standards and NAGC for more information http://www.nagc.org/GiftedEducationStandards.aspx

On an index card….. Please answer these questions: Why do you think we create plans? What are the benefits of plans? What are the drawbacks of plans? Try and encourage think time and have them figure out why the state makes this mandatory

Time to move around….. Take your index card and move to the color table that matches your card. SHARE OUT YOUR RESPONSES

Brainstorm at your current table: What could bridge the gap between the benefits and drawbacks? Write your ideas on the post it notes and put them on the bridge!

TAKE A 15 MINUTE BREAK Move the bridge with the post its to the teachers lounge to help the teachers keep this training in the front of their minds. During your break, please take a moment to read the answers on the BRIDGE!

How do we create a PLAN? Plans should be created with EACH child in mind! Plans should be created in TEAMS! Parents, teachers, gifted specialist, student Plans should reflect the child’s strengths and continue to help the child GROW! Plans should include the student’s interests! Plans need GOALS! Have a copy of the plan template from Alpine as well as the Colorado template – pass these out so everyone can see and understand what a plan looks like

In small groups…. S.M.A.R.T. GOALS SMART is an acronym …. What do you think each letter means?

Let’s practice …. Connor is struggling with organization. We might set a goal like this GOAL: By April 30, 2015, Connor will demonstrate organizational skills for his SS binder 90% of the time. Identify at your table if this goal has all the SMART components. Remind them that goals are not just created for struggling – ALP’s should also really focus on how to keep the growth up and going. Goals should be in the strength (to keep it strong).

More practice… Robert is a student in 6th grade. His NWEA scores are in the 99th percentile in reading. He loves the computer and building/ creating things. He loves choice and to teach others. Create goals in partners – check to make sure you have all the SMART compents Do this as a group – talking it through

Table Talk Time…. Create a goal for this student: 98th percentile CoGat Verbal 99th percentile Reading 80th percentile Language Usage Interested in cars, mechanics, and science Dislikes speaking in front of others Struggles making friends, has 1 close friend This can be skipped if time is running out – more trainings will occur

We have the goals…now what? Progress Monitor Look at the data Measure the goal Meet often / update often Parent – teacher conferences (have the student present their work or progress) Send home rubrics before special tasks Send home completed projects This is a quick overview – more to come. The main goal is that the teachers are held accountable for the plans and the actions of the plan.

Review of Objectives Four corners: 1 – I have this, I can teach it 2 – I think I can do this 3 – I will need some refreshers 4 – What was this training on? Objective 1: Acquire background knowledge for Advanced Learning plans

Review of Objectives Four corners: 1 – I have this, I can teach it 2 – I think I can do this 3 – I will need some refreshers 4 – What was this training on? Objective 2: Learn about quality and measurable goals

Review of Objectives Four corners: 1 – I have this, I can teach it 2 – I think I can do this 3 – I will need some refreshers 4 – What was this training on? Objective 3: Understand progress monitoring and expectations

Review of what YOU learned Please fill out a post it Visit with table members to ensure that everyone has a different item learned Once everyone has something different, add it to the “L” part of the chart on the wall.

Upcoming trainings Understanding the data Talking points for upcoming ALP meetings How to create plans on Alpine Other ideas / concerns??? Ask for other ideas / suggestions. Make sure to mark information from the 4 corners activity.