1. ELEMENTARY GIFTED & TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM
This is an opportunity to share general information with you about the G/T Program. If you would like to discuss questions related to individual situations or individual student progress, I would be happy to schedule a conference with you at a later time.

2. Ann-Marie Bruchey Amy Veid
GT Resource Staff
Ann-Marie Bruchey
Amy Veid

3. The mission of the Howard County Gifted and Talented Education Program is to recognize and develop talent in advanced-level students.
The HCPSS G/T Program has more than a twenty year history of talent development. The original program was modeled on Joseph Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model developed in the 1980’s. The program has grown and evolved with the generous support of the school system, the Board of Education, and the community.
We now have at least 1.5 gifted education specialist positions in every elementary school in the county.
At the secondary level there is one G/T resource teacher and 2 G/T content teachers at every school.

4. The G/T Education Program goals are to:
Accelerate the achievement of students who participate in the G/T Education Program.
Increase successful participation of underrepresented populations of students in G/T Education Program offerings.
Develop a highly qualified professional staff.
Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for
G/T Education Program communication and community involvement.
These four goals are the foundation of the 5-year G/T Strategic Plan for HCPSS. They are designed to meet the needs of our students, the community, and our staff - all elements essential to guarantee the success of our students.

5. Elementary G/T Education Program Instructional Services
G/T Mathematics for 4th & 5th grades
G/T Curriculum Extension Units-Grades 2-5
G/T Instructional Seminars
Kindergarten Talent Development
Primary Math Support
HCPSS program is very inclusive in philosophy.
Approximately 20% of the student population in grades 4 & 5 participate in the G/T Mathematics Program.
Approximately 30% of the student population in grades 2-5 participate in the G/T Curriculum Extension Units and G/T Instructional Seminars.

6. G/T Mathematics
Curriculum is enriched & accelerated by as much as two years
Focus is on problem solving and application of mathematical skills
Daily mathematics instruction by the G/T Resource Teacher (1 hour 15 minutes/day)
Testing required for students nominated by teachers or parents
Students do not skip any mathematics content, but rather cover 4 years of mathematics objectives in two years at an accelerated pace.
The G/T resource teacher provides the student’s entire mathematics instruction on a daily basis.
Testing involves a combination of mathematics achievement (MSA) and ability(SCAT) measures to determine an eligibility score. We also have a placement review process that allows us to look beyond test scores to daily performance.
Although G/T Math is not offered until 4th grade, grades 1- 3 offer accelerated mathematics one year above grade level. (ex. - 3rd grade students working on 4th grade objectives)
Students who successfully complete G/T Math in grades 4 & 5 are eligible for G/T Math in middle school - 6th grade Prealgebra G/T and 7th grade Algebra I/Data Analysis G/T. Students can complete courses offerings through Differential Equations in high school. (You may want to provide a handout or show an overhead of the secondary mathematics flowchart.)

7. G/T Mathematics
Extension of the Common Core curriculum to meet the needs of students for when they enter Algebra 1 in 7th grade
No spiraling curriculum from year to year; it is a mastery curriculum. Therefore, there is increased depth and complexity
Emphasis on advanced level problem solving
Homework will involve both practice of concepts and problem solving
Students are assessed using math tests, performance tasks, formative assessments, and class participation
Students do not skip any mathematics objectives, but rather cover 4 years of mathematics objectives in two years at an accelerated pace.
The G/T resource teacher provides the student’s entire mathematics instruction on a daily basis.
Testing involves a combination of mathematics achievement (MSA) and ability(SCAT) measures to determine an eligibility score. We also have a placement review process that allows us to look beyond test scores to daily performance.
Although G/T Math is not offered until 4th grade, grades 1- 3 offer accelerated mathematics one year above grade level. (ex. - 3rd grade students working on 4th grade objectives)
Students who successfully complete G/T Math in grades 4 & 5 are eligible for G/T Math in middle school - 6th grade Prealgebra G/T and 7th grade Algebra I/Data Analysis G/T. Students can complete courses offerings through Differential Equations in high school. (You may want to provide a handout or show an overhead of the secondary mathematics flowchart.)

8. G/T Mathematics 4th Grade Domains: Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Numbers and Operations in Base 10
Numbers and Operations – Fractions
The Number System
Measurement & Data
Geometry
Statistics
Students do not skip any mathematics objectives, but rather cover 4 years of mathematics objectives in two years at an accelerated pace.
The G/T resource teacher provides the student’s entire mathematics instruction on a daily basis.
Testing involves a combination of mathematics achievement (MSA) and ability(SCAT) measures to determine an eligibility score. We also have a placement review process that allows us to look beyond test scores to daily performance.
Although G/T Math is not offered until 4th grade, grades 1- 3 offer accelerated mathematics one year above grade level. (ex. - 3rd grade students working on 4th grade objectives)
Students who successfully complete G/T Math in grades 4 & 5 are eligible for G/T Math in middle school - 6th grade Prealgebra G/T and 7th grade Algebra I/Data Analysis G/T. Students can complete courses offerings through Differential Equations in high school. (You may want to provide a handout or show an overhead of the secondary mathematics flowchart.)

9. 4th Grade Units Unit 1: Numbers in the Neighborhood
Numbers and Operations in Base 10
Measurement
Unit 2: Fall Into Patterns
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Number Systems

10. 4th Grade Units Unit 3: Sweet! Fractions in the Real World
Numbers and Operations
Fractions
Unit 4: Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Geometry

11. G/T Mathematics 5th Grade Domains: Ratios and Proportions
Number Systems
Expressions and Equations
Geometry

12. 5th Grade Units Unit 1: Rover-Rocket Module
Number Systems, Ratios & Proportions
Unit 2: Math Around the House
Number Systems
Unit 3: A Plan for Biodiversity
Expressions and Equations
Unit 4: Stained Glass Design
Geometry

13. G/T Curriculum Extension Units
Interdisciplinary advanced-level content, reading, writing, & thinking skills
2-3 CEUs per grade per year lasting approximately 9-12 weeks each
Each unit requires up to two hours of instruction per week with the G/T Resource Teacher
Multiple criteria used for the selection process
Rigorous, interdisciplinary units with strong advanced-level reading and writing components. The topics extend from HCPSS Essential Curriculum and support Maryland Learning Outcomes.
Students are selected for participation in these units based on multiple criteria such as MSA scores, local assessments, report card grades, teacher recommendations, student work samples, demonstrated passion for the particular topic, etc. Students may participate in one or more of the units based on their needs.
No report card grades are assigned. However, the grades from various assignments from the unit may be incorporated into the report card grade.

14. G/T Curriculum Extension Units
Grade INTERDISCIPLINARY UNITS
2 Transportation, Archaeology, Math Enrichment
3 World Cultures, Logic, Bridges
Ancient Civilizations, Space, The Chesapeake
5 Politics of Persuasion, Ocean Systems, Leadership
*Additional units as arranged by the G/T resource teacher
The units shown are required at all elementary schools.
The units on the left represent a strand of humanities offerings that incorporate geography skills, both physical and cultural.
The units on the right represent Math/Science offerings.
The G/T resource teacher will offer additional units based on current events and the students’ needs.

15. G/T Instructional Seminars
Designed to develop advanced-level skills in an area of interest for students
Offerings vary based on the needs of the students and grade-level teams
Each unit requires weekly instruction with the
G/T Resource Teacher
Students self-select based on their interest in the topic
Purpose is to develop talent in areas of student interest & to provide advanced-level skills instruction .Give examples of STEM and literary Iss.

16. G/T Volunteer Opportunities
Parent Reps:
Two parents needed
Join HCPSSnews, select GT as if selecting a school
Meetings about 5 times a year (the first is Sept. 18th, location TBA)
Learn about advanced-level offerings that are available through the Gifted and Talented Program and give your feedback

17. For additional information:
Schedule a conference with the G/T Resource Teacher at your school.
For district information, consult the HCPSS
G/T brochure & website.
For national information on gifted education, consult the NAGC website.
Invite participants to review the G/T brochures, website, NAGC information, or even schedule a follow-up conference to discuss individual questions.

18. Websites and E-mails Amy Veid: Ann-Marie Bruchey:
Ann-Marie Bruchey:

19. Questions?