1. Middle School Gifted Services and RAMP Parent Information Night
April 20, 2017
Welcome, Parents!

2. Middle School Gifted Specialists
Friedell – Joanne Michet
Kellogg– Daniel Mansfield
Lincoln – Vandi King
John Adams – Denise Cooksey Seabarkrob
Willow Creek – Denise Cooksey Seabarkrob

3. Mission of Gifted Services
To create an environment in which the full potential of the gifted and talented learner is recognized, encouraged
and nurtured

4. Overview of Gifted Services
RPS strives to challenge learners at all grade levels.  The Department of Gifted Services uses test scores, teacher observations, and student portfolios to identify students for elementary gifted services.  As a matter of equity, the scores of all students in grades 2-5 are reviewed each spring to identify students for services for the following year. 
Secondary students self-select classes or qualify for advanced programming through test scores or via portfolio.  Each school has a part-time gifted specialist.

5. Recent Changes in Gifted Services
At grade 6, RAMP (Rochester Accelerated Math Program) will move to self-selection in spring of 2017
PETS (Primary Education Thinking Skills) classes for all grade 1 students, taught by gifted specialist
Additional pathways into gifted services
All portfolios are done under the guidance of a gifted specialist

6. Needs of Gifted Learners
May need fewer or no repetitions
Pre-assess to ensure that students are being presented with new material, not material they already know
Compact grade-level curriculum and teach at a faster pace
Spend more time on critical thinking, higher level thinking (evaluate, synthesize, create,)
Plan activities that are open-ended to remove the ceiling effect
Provide time to learn collaboratively with academic peers

7. Overview of Middle School Opportunities
RAMP (Rochester Accelerated Math Program) classes in grades 6-8
Enrichment opportunities  in grade 6 and in general classes; ask your school’s gifted specialist
Honors classes in science, social studies, and English in grades 7 and 8
The HG Program at Friedell and Kellogg Middle Schools  for students identified as highly gifted

8. Rochester Accelerated Math Program
RAMP
Rochester Accelerated Math Program

9. RAMP Goals
To provide an opportunity to accelerate math instruction for students who:
Are developmentally ready for the abstract thinking skills required in pre-algebra
Possess strong math skills
Possess or are developing strong organizational and study skills
It is the expectation that students in accelerated math will take four years of math in high school.

10. New for Fall 2017
Starting in fall 2017, students entering grade 6 have the choice between Math 6 or Pre-Algebra (accelerated Math)
Students who are at or above the 75th percentile on Math NWEAs tend to do well in accelerated math, but no particular scores are required
If students select Pre-Algebra and, despite additional support, are not successful, the school may move the student over to Math 6

11. RAMP Double Acceleration Criteria: Option 1
Earn a minimum of 7 out of 9 possible RAMP criteria points listed below
Fourth Grade MCA Reading of 470 or higher OR
Fifth Grade NWEA Reading of 80 NPR or higher OR
Fourth Grade Verbal CogAT of 117 or higher
= 1 point
Fourth Grade MCA Math of 470 or higher = 1 point
Fifth Grade NWEA Math Scores:
◦ 90 NPR or higher = 3 points
◦ 80 NPR or higher= 2 points
◦ 70 NPR or higher = 1 point
Fourth Grade CogAT: (Quantitative + Non-Verbal)
◦ 130 or higher = 4 points
◦ 125 or higher = 3 points
◦ 120 or higher = 2 points
◦ 115 or higher = 1 point NPR = National Percentile Rank

12. RAMP Double Acceleration Criteria: Options 2 and 3
2) Pass the Orleans Hannah Test for Algebra Readiness at 90 percent or higher and have two standardized test scores in math at or above the 90th percentile in the past year
3) Pass the Pre-Algebra Appeals Test with a score of at least 80%.
Registration deadline: July 14, Test will be given August 2, 2017 in Edison, room 26.
Contact your school’s gifted specialist to register.

13. For Credit By Assessment Information,
High school and middle school students can test out of high school math courses.
For more information and the application form, go to

14. Where can I get help in math?
Ask questions in class
Work with a friend
After school homework help (sponsored by Community Education free of cost)
RAP (Rochester After School Program)
Math Camps through community education in July 2017
Khan Academy (free online resource with video demonstrations of math concepts)
Ask your middle school math teacher what other help is available at your middle school

15. Questions about RAMP?

16. Middle School Honors Classes

17. What are Middle School Honors Classes?
THEY ARE: In English, science and social studies Offered on both teams Inclusive of the same standards as grade level classes Faster paced; less repetitive An opportunity to go into greater depth and experience more challenge Requiring a greater degree of independence on assignments
THEY ARE NOT: Accelerated classes; you will not be skipping a grade level class Classes that earn high school credit More work; work is matched to your instructional level
Cindy

18. Who Should Sign Up for Honors Classes?
Students who:
feel the pace of the regular class goes too slowly, has too much repetition, or doesn't require them to learn anything new.
are willing to work hard and do their best work
have or are willing to develop strong reading and writing skills
are self-directed and able to work independently on assignments
are eager to explore new concepts in English, Science, or Social Studies

19. Honors Class Registration Process
Students are encouraged to take an Honors Class in an area of interest.
Students may request 0-3 honors classes in grades seven and eight.
Based on need, availability, and scheduling, students may be placed in one or more Honors Class.
Registration is in March

20. Once enrolled in an Honors Class…
Strive to do your best and to maintain at least a “B” average.
If you are struggling or have questions,
talk to your teacher and your parents to see what you can do to improve. Consider whether it is in your best interest to stay or move to the regular class.

21. Honors Classes in middle school help prepare students for other opportunities in high school.
High School Opportunities:
Honors classes and honors option classes: students can earn an honors diploma.
AP (Advanced Placement) classes: these rigorous classes can lead to earning college credit by taking the AP Exams.
PSEO classes (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option): students earn high school and college credits simultaneously
CIS (College In the Schools): students can earn University of Minnesota college credits at their high schools
ere is not just one teacher assigned to teach the highly gifted sections.

22. Mentorships through the high school gifted specialist: students work with a mentor in the community in a field of their choice
CTECH (Career and Technical Education Center at Heinz): Students take classes in health and biomedical sciences; engineering; information technology, construction; agriculture; manufacturing; and hospitality.  These can be for career exploration, college prep, or certification.

23. Independent study: students arrange to investigate a subject in depth under the supervision of a high school teacher
Credit By Assessment: students can get credits for prior learning by  testing out of courses
See High School Registration Guide at

24. Questions about middle school Honors Classes?

25. Gateway: An organization for parents of gifted children

26. Highly Gifted Program at Friedell and Kellogg

27. Highly Gifted Program at Friedell and Kellogg
District curriculum and state standards compacted at an accelerated pace
Additional units from William and Mary Gifted Curricula
Opportunities to go into greater depth and to collaborate with academic peers

28. Identification for the Highly Gifted Program
Students who meet one of the following criteria may apply to be in the HG Program:
CogAT composite score of 132 or higher
CogAT composite score of 128 or higher AND NWEA test total in Reading of 97 NPR or higher
AND NWEA test total in Math of 97 NPR or higher
(Note: NWEA scores from spring of grade 4 and onward are used)
A qualifying portfolio of exemplary work completed at school under the direction of the building gifted specialist

29. How/when can students qualify for the HG program?
After the fourth-grade CogAT
After the fourth-grade spring or fifth-grade NWEAs if qualifying with CogAT + NWEA scores
By taking the CogAT on August 3 (Call to register by July 14, 2017.)
By completing a qualifying HG portfolio in fall 2017.

30. Portfolio Assessment
The purpose of the portfolio assessment is to identify students who have potential that does not show up on standardized tests
Students respond in writing to a series of prompts/problems in math, science, reading, writing and creativity
Portfolios undergo a blind review by a panel of gifted specialists
Rubrics are used to assign points to each part

31. General Timeline for the HG Program at Friedell and Kellogg: Dates are subject to change
Students take the CogAT in grade 4
Students who qualify are notified via in
April/ June/August
Open house for 5th grade at Friedell and Kellogg in November (This year April 27 for Kellogg)
First selection process in January 2018
Families are encouraged to apply well in advance of January 2018

32. Timeline continued
You may apply to both the general and HG program at Friedell.
With the expansion of the program, the goals is to offer as many students as possible a seat. The district assigns students to the HG site.

33. Questions about the HG program?

34. Thank you for coming this evening