Arlington Public Schools Gifted Services Resource Teacher of the Gifted: Diann Gully, Ph.D. Ashlawn Elementary School

COLLABORATION FOR EFFECTIVE DIFFERENTIATION Classroom Teacher Resource Teacher for Gifted (RTG) Student

Pull-out and Cluster Model RTG and Classroom Teacher work together to design and implement appropriate instruction for identified gifted students Pull-out – differentiated instruction delivered in the class by classroom teacher Cluster - differentiated instruction delivered in the class by RTG and classroom teacher

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES INSTRUCTION PLANNING AND PREPARATION CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

PLANNING AND PREPARATION All students assessed on upcoming unit for what they already know: Pretest Learning activity Classroom assessment

PLANNING AND PREPARATION---continued Classroom Teacher and RTG plan unit activities based on results of pre-assessment: Objectives mastered by whole class will be reviewed through homework or independent classwork. Students are grouped for instruction by objectives and mastery level. Every activity has a minimum of three levels- on grade level, above grade level or challenge level. Assessment is on-going and grouping is flexible based on data.

Instruction Instructional Roles Lead Instructor/Support Instructor Co-teaching Observation/Teacher Modeling Instructional Strategies Whole group Small Groups Stations Parallel

Providing materials Modeling instructional strategies that encourage higher level thinking Planning and implementing workshops on creative and critical thinking strategies Professional Responsibilities Support for classroom teachers Includes:

Language Arts Pull-out 2 nd Grade- Beyond Words 3 rd Grade- Journeys and Destinations 4 th Grade- Patterns of Change 5 th Grade-Autobiographies

Literary Analysis: Literature Web Key Words Feelings Reading Ideas Structure Images/ Symbols

Persuasive Writing: Hamburger Model

Math Pull-out 2 nd Grade – Awesome Algebra 3 rd Grade- Digging for Data 4 th Grade- Hands on Equations; Stock Market Game 5 th Grade- Hands on Equations Verbal Problems, Stock Market Game

Math Reasoning Think Deeply Questions e.g. What features are important to mention when you describe a data set? Be sure to use mathematical vocabulary. (3 rd Grade) Think Beyond Cards e.g. How could you adapt a hundreds chart to find the sum of three-digit numbers?

Problem Solving 2 nd Grade: What number would you subtract from 62 so that the answer is the same as the number you subtracted ? 3 rd Grade: If today is Tuesday, what day of the week will it be 75 days from today? 4 th Grade: Find two numbers that multiply to 36 and add to th Grade: Janice was born in her brother was born in In what year will Janice be twice as old as her brother?

Math cluster instruction Stations Instruction on new concept Application, review and re-teaching activities Computers Learning centers Hands on Equations Number Sense Problem solving Project based learning – i.e. Design Your Bedroom Where in Time are You? Stock Market Game Build a Playground

Role of Parent – Supporting Differentiation for Student Educate yourself about your child’s needs: Parent Resource Center Materials National Association for Gifted Children Virginia Association for the Gifted Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted Support your child’s interest to pursue social and cultural opportunities within and beyond his/her strength area(s) Maintain communication with your child’s classroom teacher, RTG, and counselor to monitor social and academic progress

Further Information APS Gifted Services Visit the Arlington Public Schools Web Site Click on Curriculum and Instruction Click on Programs Click on Gifted Services

Getting Connected: APS Gifted Services Sign up Twitter APS Gifted Services Website Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor, Gifted Services at or

Contact Information: Phone: Ask for Diann Gully

Questions and Exit Cards General questions that relate to Gifted Services. Exit Cards: On each table, you will find index cards that can be used if you have a specific question about your child. Please write the question, your name/your student’s name, your phone number, and the best time for me to contact you. I will call you in order to address your specific questions.

The Virginia Plan for the Gifted: Definition of a Gifted Student “These students possess talents and abilities that differ from those of their peers to such a degree that differentiated educational programs should be provided to nurture their growth and development.” “The identification of these students is based on the premise that they need and can benefit from specifically planned educational services different from those provided by the general educational experience.”

APS is in compliance with Virginia Regulations : Identify students who require gifted services Establish continuous educational services to match the needs of gifted learners Train teachers in ways to provide services Support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of gifted students

Gifted Services Eligibility and Identification Process Virginia regulations require that school divisions develop a process for determining whether students are eligible for gifted services An identification process determines a student’s eligibility

Areas of Gifted Services Identification Specific Academic Aptitude, K-12 English Mathematics Science Social Studies Visual or Performing Arts, Grades 3-12 Visual Art Vocal Music Instrumental Music (instruments taught in APS)

Screening for Gifted Services Each year, the total population is screened by school staff to create a pool of eligible candidates based on students’ participation and performance in various academic and arts activities. Screening is formal – review of test scores following standardized testing (2 nd gr. Naglieri; 4 th gr. Cognitive Abilities Test). Screening is informal – competitions, awards, honors, student participation in school events.

Referrals for Gifted Services Who can refer a student? classroom teachers, school personnel parents/guardians community leaders the student or other students Deadline is April 1 st

Eligibility Criteria - Gifted Services in Specific Academic Areas Standardized Testing Information Teacher Checklist: Observations of Academic Behaviors Grades/Academic Performance Student Products Parent Information Xckf hf ahj xxxx

Eligibility Criteria - Visual Art or Vocal/Instrumental Music Areas, Grades Art and Music Teacher Referral: Observations of Artistic Behaviors Student Products Grades/Artistic Performance Parent Information

Appeal Process An Appeals Process is available to families following the eligibility process if a student is found not eligible for services. Appeals begin at the school level with a letter to the principal. Second level of appeals is a county-wide Gifted Services Administrative Appeals Committee.

Gifted Services Identification leads to: Teacher awareness of student’s abilities and understanding of student’s instructional needs Cluster grouping according to student’s achievement in identified area(s) RTG availability to support student’s performance and educational program Opportunity to audition for/participate in arts opportunities: Grades 4-8 county-level; Grades county and state level

Sample Middle School Gifted Services Activities Thematic Instruction Interdisciplinary Units Creative/Critical Thinking Skills Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Mindmapping Metacognition/Multiple Intelligences

Sample High School Gifted Services Activities Creative/Critical Thinking Skills Socratic Seminar Ethical Thinking Advanced/Intensified, AP, IB, and Career Center Options, including PRIME Summer Residential Governor’s School and Foreign Language Academy Programs Independent Study

Role of Parent – Supporting Differentiation for Student Parent Resources: Parent Resource Center Materials or Support your child’s interest to pursue social and cultural opportunities within and beyond his/her strength area(s) Maintain communication with your child’s classroom teacher, RTG, and counselor to monitor social and academic progress

Further Information APS Gifted Services Visit the Arlington Public Schools Web Site Click on Curriculum and Instruction Click on Programs Click on Gifted Services

Getting Connected: APS Gifted Services Sign up Twitter APS Gifted Services Website Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor, Gifted Services at or

Contact Information: Voice mail:

Questions and Exit Cards General questions that relate to Gifted Services. Exit Cards: On each table, you will find index cards that can be used if you have a specific question about your child. Please write the question, your name/your student’s name, your phone number, and the best time for me to contact you. I will contact you in order to address your specific questions.