Chandler Unified School District CATS Program Chandler Academically Talented Students

History of the Program  Self-Contained Gifted Services in Chandler began in 1976 for 3-6 grade students.  Junior High CATS began in 2003 with the goal of addressing the specific needs of gifted junior high school students.

Junior High School CATS Extension of CATS program with the junior high school atmosphere Accelerated and in-depth studies Interaction with intellectual peers Academically challenging/rigorous Gifted endorsed teachers Opportunities for independent studies in areas of interest and level of advancement Experience meaningful involvement in real problems

1 Support mastery of accelerated core content incorporating depth and complexity 2 Develop an understanding of the interrelationships among the disciplines 3 Develop inquiry skills 4 Develop critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills 5 Develop proficiency in communicating abstract and complex ideas, relationships, and issues CATS Program Guiding Principles

Curriculum Accelerated Grade Level Objectives 7 th Grade:  9 th Grade (Year 1) Math  Gifted Language Arts 7 (8 th grade level)  Gifted Science  Gifted Social Studies 8 th Grade:  10 th Grade (Year 2) Math  Gifted Language Arts 8  Gifted Science  Gifted Social Studies

Curriculum Two-Year Curriculum Same teacher provides continuity from one grade level to the next Integration Provides an interrelated study of the disciplines Accelerated Provides appropriate placement and pace

The CATS Student: Asks questions Discusses in detail, elaborates Shows strong feelings and opinions Needs 1-2 repetitions for mastery Constructs abstractions Draws inferences Initiates projects Is intense Thrives on complexity The Honor Student: Is attentive Works hard Answers the questions In “top” group Learns with ease Needs 6-8 repetitions for mastery Completes assignments Absorbs information Learns techniques Is a good memorizer Differentiating Between CATS and Honors

Identification Honors – District achievement test Math Language Arts CATS - Cognitive Abilities Test Verbal Quantitative Nonverbal

2012 AIMS Results Comparison – 6 th Grade Meeting Standards

2012 AIMS Results Comparison – 6 th Grade Exceeding Standards

2012 AIMS Results Comparison – 7 th Grade Meeting Standards

2012 AIMS Results Comparison – 7 th Grade Exceeding Standards

2012 AIMS Results Comparison – 8 th Grade Meeting Standards

2012 AIMS Results Comparison – 8 th Grade Exceeding Standards

“ I was very pleased with my son's experience in the C.A.T.S. program. (The teachers) worked diligently to ensure that he was consistently challenged and equipped with the necessary skills to help him succeed. ” -Parent of an 7 th grade CATS student

“I love that a class like this exists to initiate the learning process with kids at a higher academic level where they can feed off each other and propel one another forward. What a great groups of kids!” Parent of a 7 th grade CATS student

“ The CATS program is an outstanding program which has prepared my daughter for the rigors of Honors and AP programs she will be facing at Hamilton HS. The teachers are dedicated to their students and relentless in their pursuit of excellence. Thank you to all the staff. My hat is off to you and your professionalism. ” -Parent of an 8 th grade CATS student