Welcome to Spectrum! Ms. Koren Room H-4

About Me: Degree in Biology from Virginia Tech Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech Endorsement in Gifted Education from Shenandoah University Twenty-four years of experience: Atlanta, Georgia (High school Biology and Physical Science) Fairfax County (High school Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science) Loudoun County (7th grade Life Science)

How to contact me: Call Smart’s Mill Middle School at 571-252- 2030 to leave me a message with one of the secretaries, and I will return your call as soon as possible. I have planning during blocks 6A and 8B. Email me at school at Elizabeth.Koren@lcps.org

Class materials: Agenda Binder or composition book Pencil or pen Chrome book

SPECTRUM STUDENTS are expected to: Exhibit excitement/enthusiasm about the subject Possess curiosity and want to learn more Like to be challenged Demonstrate self motivation Take appropriate risks Apply knowledge to new situations Question what is happening Try to improve his/her work Go beyond expectations Work with others willingly and positively Elaborate on ideas presented Respect the views and rights of others Self-evaluate and set goals Be prepared for class

Goals of Spectrum students To become divergent thinkers who recognize problems and solve them To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and the world around them To develop the capacity for self-assessment To engage in critical and creative thinking To conduct research and self-directed learning To effectively communicate with others To develop innovative products and performances which reflect creativity, individuality and professional-level quality

Skills Emphasized in spectrum: The ability to inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge The ability to innovate and create The ability to solve complex problems The ability to communicate through multiple media The ability to think globally The ability to collaborate We will conduct rigorous learning experiences that will engage students in thinking and acting on content that matters in order to develop understanding and expertise in a discipline.

Themes in spectrum Carry through all grade levels: Ethics and Perspectives Business and Economics Communication and Culture Science and Technology (STEM)

Year 1 Curriculum for grades 6/7 Includes, but is not limited to… Archaeology Ecybermission Business: Pencil Company Mystery Disease Socratic Seminar/Debate Word Masters Crime Solving Mysteries Survival Simulations Independent Study

curriculum for Grade 8 Includes, but is not limited to… Lifestyle Auction Dilemma Future City Engineering Design Verdict Ethics Rainbow Bay Perplexors “Mystery at Manor House” Caribbean Survival Continental Math League Independent study

Year 2 curriculum for grades 6/7 Includes, but is not limited to… Debate/Socratic Seminar Esperanto ASL Ecybermission Project Business Tanglers, Too Continental Math League Crime Solving Mysteries “Phantom of the Bell Tower” math mystery Survival Simulations (Desert and Cascade)

How parents can support their spectrum students Create a flexible, questioning atmosphere that allows the child to: Discuss options Hear and consider other viewpoints Respectfully disagree Stand up for beliefs and choices Emphasize encouragement rather than pressure. Encouragement emphasizes effort, perseverance, and the steps toward accomplishing a goal.

Outside enrichment Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Thomas Jefferson High School for Math and Science Academy of Science Enrichment summer schools and camp activities Math, Language Arts, or Creative Problem- solving competitions such as Odyssey of the Mind

Web sites for more information Virginia Association for the Gifted: https://www.vagifted.org/default.aspx Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary https://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/ Loudoun County Public Schools: https://www.lcps.org/Page/617 National Organization for Gifted Children http://www.nagc.org/