EXceptional Potential (EXPO): Denton ISD Gifted and Talented Program

TESTING PROCESS AND PAPERWORK

Fill out ALL spaces on Referral Form.

Once a parent signs permission for their child to be tested they MUST be tested by law (no exceptions).

Parent’s Javitz is Pink Teacher’s Javitz is Blue

The parents will see your score. The District GT Committee is made up of people from Central Administration along with Specialist from across the district.

Academic tests results go here.

Cognitive tests results go here.

Creativity (3 tests)

Creativity tests results go here.

For those doing the math….that’s 18 tests per child

IDENTIFYING GIFTED KIDS

3 Differences between Gifted students and the rest of the student population

Verbal Imaginative Playful Good memory Learn quickly Creative Comfortable with adults Self critical Critical of others Excess energy Wide variety of interests Singular interest Comprehend humor Leadership Messy Organized

Bored easily Perfectionistic Empathetic Judges others Very sensitive Procrastinator Self-directed Independent Willing to take risks Responsible Sees multiple perspectives Concerned about right and wrong – ethics Persistent Verbal In constant motion Poor study habits

WHAT DO THEY DO ONCE THEY GET INTO GT?

Perception… Do you see an old lady or a young lady?

THERE IS A SEPARATE AND REQUIRED CURRICULUM IN ADDITION TO GRADE LEVEL TEKS

Kaplan’s Grid Thinking skill Research skill Product Complexity Curriculum Depth

Results Students have the opportunity to explore an enriched, differentiated curriculum Concrete Abstract Curriculum Student Cognition Student’s academic development

Attendance is mandatory “Attendance in the EXPO class is not optional once a parent has signed the child’s permission to serve form.” disdexpoclassroomteacher K

Students are not graded on work they miss while in EXPO “If an assignment is missed in the regular class while the student is attending a EXPO “pull-out” class, a symbol indicating excused (may vary depending on grade book system) may be placed in the grade book to indicate EXPO attendance. The student’s grades are averaged without penalty. “ disdexpoclassroomteacher K

Classroom grades do not affect EXPO attendance “A student will not be exited from EXPO solely on the basis of grades.” disdexpoclassroomteacher K

Work done while EXPO students are out of class should not be made up Work done in the regular classroom during the EXPO “pull-out” time is not to be given as homework. If a student requests this work, it may be provided, but must not be required. disdexpoclassroomteacher K

You should make every effort to avoid introducing new material while EXPO kids are out of class Whenever possible, teachers should make every effort to avoid introducing new material while the EXPO student is not in class. However, if new material must be introduced during the EXPO student’s absence, the classroom teacher should make this material available to the student and offer any help needed at a mutually convenient time (not during recess or special times). disdexpoclassroomteacher K

Being Gifted doesn’t mean you should do more work than everyone else. A common fear of gifted students and their parents is that students will have extra work. This creates the feeling of being punished for being gifted. The EXPO program provides appropriately modified work that encompasses regular content and skills. These students should not be penalized for participating in EXPO. disdexpoclassroomteacher K

Don’t schedule the fun stuff for when the EXPO kids are out of class. Schedule the remediation/re-teaching of the kids left in class. It is strongly recommended that all special (library, computer lab, guest speakers, recess) or fun class activities not be reserved for when the EXPO students are away. disdexpoclassroomteacher K

Time is precious for everyone EXPO kids are served 150 minutes per week. There are 1,980 other minutes left in the instructional week.

Schedule Tests around EXPO Times unless it is the STARR tests itself. Classroom teachers should schedule tests during times EXPO students are in the room if at all possible.