1 Gifted Cluster Model Update May 14, 2015 Mrs. Linda Palles-Thompson, K12 Administrator

Purpose Presentation of K-8 gifted services Background Current Program Next Steps 2

Background of Gifted Services Project IDEAL Signature Schools Copperwood Center for Differentiated Instruction (2000/2001) Apache Gifted Academy (2011/2012) 3

Gifted services for K-8 th grade transitioned from a pull-out program to a school wide cluster model starting 2013/2014 due to necessary budget reductions. Total budget cuts - $2.5M Gifted Restructure - $685,000 Restructure of Gifted Services 4

Features of PUSD Cluster Model Gifted students are placed into classrooms with a designated cluster teacher Six district wide gifted coaches provide professional development, resources, and model lessons within those classrooms Two part time testers identify gifted students according to state law A gifted lead coordinates coaches’ activities, interfaces with curriculum and instruction, and maintains parent communication 5

Positive Impact of Gifted Model Promising results with respect to student growth Increased capacity of teachers throughout the district with respect to gifted education – 837 model lessons – 1,094 meetings with gifted cluster teachers – 93 teacher in-services 6

Excellence = Motivation x Creativity 2 Canyon Leadership Academy Innovative projects – Literature – Science – Fine and Performing Arts – Social Studies E=MC2 Showcase May 7,

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Survey 226 Parent Responses 1812 Student Responses 11

Parent Survey Trends Want more challenge and rigor Reinstate Project IDEAL type program More competitions/contests/field trips Regular communication More personalization 12

Differentiated Education Plan 13

Differentiated Education Plan 14

Next Steps Pilot DEP Gifted Blog 2 nd Annual E=MC 2 Showcase Fall Contest/Game Bowl Clubs/Summer Program 15

16 Questions