Kemp Elementary Gifted Program Target Team: Ashley Dorsey, Anna Dickinson, Beth Okraski

Our Mission Continues to Be… To prepare gifted students for an ever-changing global marketplace where they must be self-reflective, goal-oriented, problem-seekers and solvers. While our standards and progress report have been updated, our mission remains the same. Gifted Students should seek opportunities to become an informed, productive global community member.

Our gifted program is process-driven. Our ultimate goal is for students to meet the standards. The content and activities help us reach these goals. The program may not look as it did in the past. Focus will be on the standards and performance tasks instead of units. We are not teaching content; we are teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Gifted Standards

Cognitive Growth Standards Critical Thinking Examples Algebraic Thinking Analyzing Mathematical Problems Convergent Thinking Logic Analogies Quotefalls Divergent Thinking Brainstorming Visualization Creative problem solving Evaluative Thinking Solving authentic problems Emphasis on STEM, teamwork and technology Relationships and Connections Researching real world topics Make connections Develop solutions

Algebraic Thinking Hands-On Equations (HOE) and Verbal Equations (3rd - 5th Grade) Primary Algebra (1st & 2nd)

Affective Growth Standards Examples Communication Verbal/Nonverbal Read and Respond Write for a variety of purposes Collaboration Group participation Decision making Constructive feedback Self-Reflection Weekly Target Tally with reflection questions and goal setting Respect for Others Value individual differences Respect input from others Listen

Affective Growth Cont. Self-Directed Learners: Establish and work toward short and long term goals Persevere despite failure and adversity Advocate for self Set appropriately high standards for work and behavior Take initiative to pursue new opportunities Meets Target Student Expectations

Target Student Expectations Has necessary materials and demonstrates responsibility for those materials Has completed assignments-classwork and homework Returns signed papers (Tally) each week Brings snack, lunch, water bottle, jacket, etc. to Target class Is prepared to work when class begins Demonstrates pride in their work and behavior

Target Day There is NO typical Target Day. These are just some of the components that make up our day and set it apart from the homeroom class. The Target curriculum is designed in units; therefore, you may see “carry over” from one week to the next. Convergent, Divergent, Evaluative Thinking, and Relationships & Connections Target Lunch time 11:40-12:10

Spring Semester Topics 1st Grade- Leonardo DaVinci, Renaissance Man 3rd Grade- The Adventures of Audrey Aims, Art Conservator 5th Grade- Shakespeare

Volunteers We are ALWAYS looking for guest speakers for our theme topics. We would LOVE to have you support our topics whether it’s speaking to our kids or just providing information/insight.

Progress Report Progress Reports correlate with our semester unit structure rather than each 9 week grading period. Progress reports will go home with your child in May. If we ever see a need to provide communication regarding your child’s progress with our unit/standards, we will certainly be in touch.

Home/School Communication E-mail is always fastest. Our goal is get back to you as soon as possible! ashley.dorsey@cobbk12.org anna.dickinson@cobbk12.org beth.okraski@cobbk12.org Target Tally Teacher Blog

Resources for Parents Raisin’ Brains: Surviving My Smart Family, by Karen L.J. Isaacson Hoagies Gifted Education Page SENG Georgia Association for Gifted Children www.puzzles.com www.mindware.com

Gifted Resources On the left hand side of Kemp Elementary’s main page, parents can find “Advanced Learning Programs” as one of Kemp’s links. From this link, the following is available: A direct link to the Advanced Learning Program Resources The gifted eligibility process and presentation Links to the GAGC and NAGC Resources and gifted standards http://www.cobbk12.org/Kemp/

Thank you for attending! Are there any questions? We look forward to a semester!