Chandler Unified School District CATS Program Chandler Academically Talented 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

Why Attend the CATS Program? Acceleration is combined with enrichment Intellectual peers provide positive peer pressure Prepares students for rigor Provides opportunities for independent studies in areas of interest Experience meaningful involvement in real problems Specifically designed for the gifted adolescent

Curriculum Accelerated Grade Level Objectives Differentiation  Depth  Complexity through Integration  Novelty Differentiation Takes Place In:  Content  Process  Product

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 Manipulates information 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 Enjoys school Absorbs information Learns techniques Is a good memorizer Differentiating Between CATS and Honors

Identification Honors – District achievement test Math Language Arts

Identification CATS - Cognitive Abilities Test Verbal Quantitative Non-verbal reasoning

CATS Curriculum Goals Goal I: To support mastery of core areas at an accelerated pace incorporating complexity and depth appropriate for gifted learners. Goal II: To develop understanding of concepts, themes, and issues that is fundamental to the discipline and to develop an appreciation for the interrelationships among the disciplines.

CATS Curriculum Goals Goal III: To develop inquiry skills at a level of complexity and depth appropriate for gifted learners. Goal IV: To develop the skills of critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Goal V: To develop proficiency in communicating abstract and complex ideas, relationships, and issues.

Program Models Grade Looping Provides continuity from one grade level to the next Integration Provides an interrelated study of the disciplines Acceleration Provides appropriate placement and pace

FAQ’s What about homework? When are CATS students with “other” kids? How is the CATS program different from honors classes? How will CATS prepare my child for high school?

Homework – CATS classes follow district guidelines for homework. 1-2 hours of homework per night. CATS students are very much a part of the junior high campus. Electives are with other students, and many clubs and activities are available.

CATS differs from Honors in the content depth, complexity and teacher training. Incorporating the CATS goals differentiates the curriculum in the CATS program. CATS students are well prepared for the rigors of high school and gain the confidence in taking advanced classes in high school. High School advanced courses are student self-selected.

“ Not every child has an equal talent or an equal ability or equal motivation; but children have the equal right to develop their talent, their ability, and their motivation. ” -John F. Kennedy