1. Welcome to Back to School Night
Spectrum Teachers
Peggy Jensen 8th grade, Eligibility Coordinator
Heather Jackson 6th and 7thgrades

2. Spectrum is the Loudoun County Public School program designed to meet the needs of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade intellectually gifted students.

3. Proficiencies in Spectrum
Exercise critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills;
Respect the ideas and opinions of others;
Strive to build group cohesiveness;

4. Proficiencies in Spectrum
Use creativity, curiosity, and imagination;
Expand oral and written communication skills;
Enhance technology skills through STEM units.

5. Scheduling for Spectrum
6/7th grade: The block is split between Spectrum and a music or art elective- there is NO resource.
Example of a 6/7th grade schedule
Block 2 Band or Chorus (first half)
Block 2 Spectrum (second half)
8th grade: The block is split between resource and Spectrum.

6. Overarching Goals: LCPS Gifted Program
1) To become divergent, creative thinkers who recognize problems and solve them.
2) To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and of the world around them.
3) To develop the capacity for self- assessment (ownership of the learning).
Adapted from Re-thinking Curriculum for the 21st Century, by Art Costa

7. Highlights of Spectrum Learning
Use deductive reasoning and above grade level math skills to solve complex mathematical problems as part of an engaging detective scenario.
Learn to come to a consensus using synergistic decision-making skills as part of survival simulations
Practice inquiry and investigative skills using technology to enhance understanding

8. Highlights of Spectrum Learning
Devise solutions to authentic, “real-world” situations and problems (“One to the World”)
Utilize collaborative skills on multiple team projects/products
Participate in challenging
and above grade level national
and local contests:
Continental Math League,
eCybermission,
Step Up Loudoun

9. Spectrum Curriculum Themes
Business and Economics
Communication and Culture
Technology and Engineering
Ethics and Perspectives
These 4 categories are covered by various units over the middle school Spectrum curriculum.

10. 6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 2
Business and Economics: 
Environmental Park
Communication and
Culture: American Sign
Language with
Geocaching

11. 6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 2
Technology and Engineering: eCybermission, a national STEM competition of the Army Educational Outreach Program
rules, topics and judging is all under “About”
** see handout
Ethics and Perspectives : Synergistic decision-making skills for Survival Simulations and Socratic Seminar (cloning)

12. 6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 2
Collaborative Problem-Based Learning:
Phantom of the Bell Tower; Math Mystery and Deductive Reasoning
Step Up Loudoun
2/the-step-up-loudoun-youth- competition/

13. 8th Grade Curriculum Business and Economics:
Stock Market Game™ as part of a
personal finance and
investing unit;

14. 8th Grade Curriculum Communication and Culture: Socratic Seminars
“The Verdict”, a court
trial simulation
(unscripted)

15. 8th Grade Curriculum Technology and Engineering :
eCybermission, a national STEM competition of the Army Educational Outreach Program
rules, topics and judging is all under “About”

16. 8th Grade Curriculum
Ethics and Perspectives : Discussions on fictional and real-life scenarios in the fields of business, health/medicine, entertainment, and digital citizenship
Synergistic Team Building : Survival simulations around the world

17. 8th Grade Curriculum Above-grade level Math : CML
Problem Solving and Team building :
“Rainbow Bay”, a simulation incorporating business and engineering skills
Each team acts as an engineering firm
Must plan a road system in a fictitious area
Keep in mind budget and environment
Step Up Loudoun

18. Spectrum Field Trips: In–school: Experts will be visiting us!
Career options explored this fall
8th grade: Lawyers/Staff from the Loudoun Co. courts to act out a “mock” trial where students will act as jurors.
6th/7th grades: A presentation by an ASL interpreter will enrich our unit of studies.

19. Apply to T.J., A.O.S., A.E.T. Only 8th grade students can apply
On-line registration
Point of Contact: Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Sarah O’Brien- (all deadline reminders)
Check the AET, AOS and/or TJHSST website for updated information often!!!
STRICT DEADLINES!!!!!

20. Assessment of Students
Students are evaluated each semester based on the following four areas:
Thinking skills
Research skills
Independent learning skills
Interactive learning skills

21. Refer to the Spectrum Semester Teacher Assessment
Two-sided Spectrum Teacher Assessment for each semester
One completed by the teacher, AND one completed by the student as a self- assessment
Sent home in January and June with the semester report cards (Q 2 and Q 4)

22. Enrichment Opportunities
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Summer Schools and Camp Activities (UVA, Duke, Johns Hopkins)
Loudoun County Public Libraries- writing contest, special speakers
Check the Gifted website and LCPS website
Check the SHMS website
for a list of clubs

23. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (C.T.Y.)
Talent Search, link on our teacher websites
SHMS school code:
Optional, tuition-based program that may be of interest for further enrichment
SHMS is ranked among the best in LC

24. Thomas Edison said,
“Genius is:
1% inspiration and
99% perspiration.”
Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Jensen say:
Original ideas and divergent thinking are a beginning; enhance
it with perseverance!

25. Thank you for coming! Feel free to contact us by email :
The remainder of your evening is in
classrooms starting at 6:15 starting with advisory according to your student’s schedule.