WELCOME TO MENDENHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL’S AG INFORMATION SESSION

The Team for Academically Gifted Your child will be supported by teachers, staff, and….. TAG The Team for Academically Gifted

TAG members include: Administrator Chairperson Counselor Curriculum Facilitator Teacher Rep from each grade level ESL/ EC Teacher Parent Rep

TAG will serve as a decision-making team for gifted services at the school level. TAG provides support and advice to AG students, their parents, and their teachers. TAG members serve as advocates for gifted services and delegates for the school staff. TAG ensures that services and documentation within the school comply with the current board approved AG Plan. Role of TAG

TAG continuously checks an updated roster of AG students TAG continuously checks an updated roster of AG students. Most students on the roster are eligible and receiving services. Other students may be in the process of being screened or having records sent from other states. You will be asked to sign a DEP (Differentiated Education Plan). This documentation shows that your child is receiving services in middle school.

AG COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 6th GRADE: ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS 6 ACCELERATED MATH 6 AIMM MATH VS AIMM at THE ACADEMY AT LINCOLN AG COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

AG COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 7th GRADE: ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS 7 Pre-Algebra Algebra 1 AG COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

AG COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 8th GRADE: ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS 8 ALGEBRA I ALGEBRA II (prerequisite Algebra I) AG COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Differentiation in the Classroom Schools are given guidance for how to group AG students in classes. ELA and Math teachers must complete Annual Plans to communicate the primary strategies that will be used to differentiate the content, processes, and/or products each quarter. The Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) communicates in which classes an individual student receives AG differentiation. The Annual Plan communicates how a teacher differentiates for all AG students in a class. It is a group plan, not an individual plan. Note to Presenter: the DEP tells where a middle school student receives service and the Annual Plan communicates what that service will look like

Duke TIP (www.tip.duke.edu) Score 95th percentile or higher (achievement or aptitude) or 125 or above on an IQ test to qualify. If previously participated in the grades 4-6 Talent Identification Program (TIP) student does not have to re-enroll for grade 6 Student must re-qualify for the grades 7-8 TIP There is a grades 9-12 TIP after middle school, too For more information send them to the website. Also, counselors probably have brochures available. Once EOG scores come back for your 6th graders some of them may be eligible to enroll for the 6th grade program and some of your 7th and 8th graders will be eligible to enroll for the 7-8 program. It would be great to take them on a quick field trip to the website and solicit from parents who have children involved on their take. At least you can share the Duke TIP overview pdf I’ve provided if there’s time. It’s a good program and a lot of AG families tap into this program to enrich the learning experience. Duke TIP (www.tip.duke.edu)

GCS Pathways for AG Eligibility-Middle School (6-8) Reading achievement: 85th percentile or greater (EOG) Math achievement: 85th percentile or greater (EOG) Teacher Observation Tool minimum score After the End of Grade tests, students in grades 6 & 7 are reviewed for possible eligibility for the AG program.

Very strong Academically Gifted Students (Grades 4-8) may receive services at The Academy at Lincoln: Requirements- Aptitude: 97th percentile or greater Reading Achievement: 97th percentile or greater Math Achievement: 97th percentile or greater Science and Social Studies Achievement: separate achievement scores or a composite score of 95th percentile or greater Grades: Average of “A” in each of four core subjects

Middle School Service Model Advanced courses are offered in English Language Arts and Math in all grade levels. Science and Social Studies are differentiated for AG students in the classroom setting. Students are not “pulled out” of class to go to an academically gifted setting.

Differentiation in the Classroom Schools are given guidance for how to group AG students in classes. ELA and Math teachers must complete Annual Plans to communicate the primary strategies that will be used to differentiate the content, processes, and/or products each quarter. The Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) communicates in which classes an individual student receives AG differentiation.

All students receiving AG services must strive to work to his or her potential. Passing grades must be maintained in all Core subjects. Teachers will work closely with TAG to implement strategies to foster success for any struggling student. EXPECTATIONS

Extracurricular Opportunities Odyssey of the Mind Battle of the Books Science Investigation Team National Junior Honor Society Chess Club Student Council Use this slide to list enrichment/extracurricular activities available at your school. It would be really helpful to include the name of the faculty advisor for each so parents have a contact for their questions.

IF there is a question or concern? 1.Talk with your child 2. Contact the classroom teacher 3. Contact the principal 4. Contact the AG Department at 370- 8361 Lisa Eilers, Coordinator; eilersl@gcsnc.com Dibrelle Tourret, Executive Director; tourred@gcsnc.com Lisa Merritt, TAG Representative; merritm@gcsnc.com

For additional information: www.gcsnc.com (parent link) for handbook and AG webpage The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids- by Sally Y. Walker Perfectionism:What’s Bad About Being Too Good? By Miriam Adderholdt-Elliot, PhD. The Roller-Coaster Years: Raising Your Child Through the Maddening yet Magical Middle School Years by Charlene Gianetti and Margaret Sagarese Exceptionally Gifted Children by Miraca Gross

Remember,