1. Welcome to Back to School Night
Ashlee T. Boehret
Spectrum - grades 6, 7, and 8
Eligibility Coordinator

2. B.A., Mary Washington College
M.A., George Mason University
Gifted Certification, James Madison University
Teaching Experience: Arcola Elementary School, Farmwell Station Middle School, Broad Run High school, Dominion High School and George Mason University
Teaching experience overseas: Université de Valenciennes and The American School in Switzerland

3. Experience with Gifted Children:
A.P. French V/Prep for AP Exam
Differentiation of lessons
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)
Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT)
SEARCH Teacher/Facilitator, Gifted Identification Process
Gifted Identification and Placement Committee
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Admissions Test
Virginia Governor’s School
Parent of a gifted child - Spectrum at Simpson MS

4. Quotes from our Spectrum Students
“There are a lot of things I wish I could do to change the world.”
“Spectrum is cool because you learn things but you don’t have to stress out about getting all the answers right the first time around.”
“I am creative and like to think out of the box.”
“I love being educated.”
“My favorite subject is math. I like to be challenged.”

5. “I want a degree in Astrophysics and I want to devote myself to utilize anything given to me.”
“I really love working with robots.”
“I would like to work for the government as an engineer.”
“I saw this girl helping a tremendous amount of times, and it inspired me to help out those with mental disabilities.”
“I love determination. I think it’s the key to success!”

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

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

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

9. Three Overarching Goals for the 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).

10. Highlights of Spectrum Learning
Deductive reasoning: Use deductive reasoning to solve complex mathematical problems as part of an engaging detective scenario.
Synergistic decision-making skills: Learn to come to a consensus using synergistic decision-making skills as part of survival simulations that take place around the world.

11. Highlights of Spectrum Learning
Practice inquiry, research and investigative skills using technology to enhance understanding.
Devise solutions to authentic, “real-world” situations and problems.
Utilize collaborative skills on multiple team projects/products.
Participate in a national contest: Continental Mathematics League.

12. 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.

13. 6th & 7th Grade Curriculum, Year 2
Survivals – Cascade and Desert
Problem Solving – Independent and Cooperative
Mind Benders/Tanglers
Simulations - IF Investigating Future
Multiple Intelligences – Brain Investigation
Communications - American Sign Language
Economics – Park Design
Math/Problem Solving - Continental Mathematics League Competition/Logic Problems

14. 8th Grade Curriculum
Synergistic Team Building–Survivals – Whitewater/Caribbean
Decision Making – Lifestyles Auction/Verdict /Learning Styles
Resumes
Problem Solving Mysteries – The Barbeque with the Vampire
Economics – Rainbow Bay
Analyzing & Socratic Seminars
Math/Problem Solving - Space Day, Continental Mathematics League Competition/Logic Problems/Mind Benders
Ethics

15. Scheduling for 6th and 7th grade
Time in Spectrum is approximately 42 minutes
The block is split between Spectrum and a music or art elective- there is NO resource
Example of a schedule
Block 1/2 Band or Chorus (first half)
Block 1/2 Spectrum (second half)

16. Scheduling for 8th grade
Time in Spectrum is approximately 42 minutes
The block is split between Spectrum and Resource
Example of a schedule
Block 1/2 Resource (first half)
Block 1/2 Spectrum (second half)

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

18. 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)

19. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
8th Grade -
For the most updated information regarding TJ or AOL, please refer to the websites below for information.
Academies of Loudoun
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

20. 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

21. Exit Ticket Please take a moment to complete the GoogleForm.

22. All are welcome to stop by the Spectrum classroom. We are in Room 726.
Thank you for coming!
6th and 7th Grade Parents: You will go to your child’s other half of the block that shares with Spectrum.
8th Grade Parents: You will not go to Resource, but you may stop in to visit our Spectrum classroom (Rm. 726)
All are welcome to stop by the Spectrum classroom. We are in Room 726.