1. Academically and Intellectually Gifted Program Information Night
Mrs. Dana Walters
AIG Teacher – Highcroft Drive Elementary

2. What is Academically/Intellectually Gifted?
The AIG program provides an appropriately challenging education for students who perform, or show potential for performing, at high levels of accomplishment.
Gifted education services are given to students who consistently perform above grade level and demonstrate need for additional rigorous academic differentiation.

3. The AIG Program Seeks To…
Foster high achievement and high growth
Support needs and interests of gifted students
Inspire the love of learning
Nurture highly able learners
“Advanced curriculum and high expectations are key to deep engagement that results in the demonstration of higher level thinking and achievement. Challenging highly capable students by providing advanced curriculum and high expectations are essential to promoting high academic growth.” (WCPSS AIG PLAN )

4. The Role of the AIG Teacher
Serves the AIG students
Assist in the planning and implementation of differentiated curricula and instruction
Collaborate with classroom teachers K-5
Nurture 3rd grade students through the Explorers Program
Serve 4th & 5th grade identified students through pull-out and co-teaching opportunities
Tests and evaluates students
Maintains and monitors AIG Program confidential records and data
Communicate with parents, staff and administration (SBCGE)

5. Effective Strategies for Gifted Students:
Increased complexity and challenge
Tiered activities and assignments
Varied questioning
Varied texts and materials
On-going formative assessments
Projects and investigations
Technology applications
Curriculum management
Differentiated instructional units/centers

6. Skills to be demonstrated by students:
ANALYZE
Can you dissect information to explore understandings and relationships?
Student will:
discuss
uncover
debate, test, question
Investigate, calculate, examine
Inquire, actively participate
think deeply
Skills to be demonstrated by students:
break learned information into its parts to best understand information
seeing patterns
organization of parts
recognition of hidden meanings
identification of components

7. EVALUATE
Can you make decisions based on in- depth reflection, criticism and assessment?
Student will:
judge
dispute
compare
critique
question
justify
actively participate
Skills to be demonstrated by students:
compare and discriminate between ideas
assess value of theories, presentations
make choices based on reasoned argument
verify value of evidence
recognize subjectivity

8. CREATE
Can you generate new products, ideas or demonstrate new ways of viewing things?
Student will:
design
formulate
plan
modify
propose
take risks
actively participate
Skills to be demonstrated by students:
using old ideas to create new ones
generalizing from given facts
relating knowledge from several areas
predicting, drawing conclusions

9. Curriculum Differentiation: Math
AIG enriches the NC (Common Core) Math Standards
Students attend AIG Math for
50-70 minutes one day a week
(WCPSS = 45 minutes 1 x per week)
Enrichment/Extension Units
Mind Benders, Math Detective & Balance Math
Challenging Common Core Lessons
Creative Extension Projects

14. Curriculum Differentiation: E/LA
AIG ELA supports the EL Program and NC ELA Standards
Students are pulled for AIG Language Arts for
55-60 minutes, one day a week (WCPSS = 45 minutes 1 x per week)
Balanced Literacy with
Social Studies and
Science Integration
Critical Thinking/Analysis
&Project Based Learning

15. F A N T S Y

17. Independence, Initiative, & PERSEVERANCE
Engagement and EFFORT O E N
I was actively engaged in the activity and participated in class.
I listened to directions and understood the assignment requirements.
I worked to the BEST of my ability, put forth my BEST AIG effort, and my work shows it.
Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve for EFFORT is…
Independence, Initiative, & PERSEVERANCE
I take initiative with my learning and work independently.
I was interested in in the learning process and interested in learning new information.
I pushed myself as needed to be accountable for my assignment.
When the work got “challenging”, I persevered and did not give up.
Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve for PERSEVERANCE is…
THE 4 C’S: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity
I listen actively to others and contribute to conversations appropriately.
I respond positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others.
In a group, I accept various roles and I complete an equitable share of the work.
I can work with others to resolve conflict.
I share information with others.
I promote and use Critical Thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions.
I can see creative new ways to try things and I am willing to try new things.
Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve in THE 4 C’s is…

18. Responsibility and SELF-REGULATION
I use my class time wisely.
I can follow directions with little support from Mrs. Walters.
If I am confused or need help, I seek assistance as needed.
I monitor my own progress on my assignments.
I can truthfully evaluate myself and accurately reflect on my performance and behavior.
I take responsibility for my behavior and can get myself back on track if needed.
Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve in SELF-REGULATION is…
Develops AIG QUALITY Products
I completed the assignment/project on time.
My assignment/project is completed with ACCURACY and PRECISION.
My final published product contains ALL required elements.
Any additional work is organized and shown neatly.
I made an attempt to include creativity in the publishing process.
Based on the checklist above, the “grade” I deserve in QUALITY PRODUCT is…

19. What is “Struggle Time?”
Grit is the quality that enables individuals to work hard and stick to their long-term passions and goals.
" When students struggle with a task, they may believe that they lack the ability to solve the problem and, therefore, give up. It is important for students to understand that it is ok to feel confused when learning something new, and actually, it is expected. We can teach students that making mistakes or taking a long time to complete an assignment is a normal part of learning, not a sign of failure.” (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews & Kelly, 2007)
Struggle Time is when the real learning happens – when students must demonstrate grit and resiliency – when perseverance and pride produce achievement and success…

20. Importance of a Growth/Flexible Mindset…
emphasis on effort, resilience, grit, and recovering from failure
Praise? Effort Vs. Intelligence

21. Next Steps for 4th and 5th Graders
Identifications remain in place
No additional testing is necessary (unless looking to identify in 2nd subject areas).
Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) sent home by end of December.
5th Grade:
Identifications remain in place
Middle School AIG is consult-based and collaboration with teachers.
Middle School Math Info
4th Grade:
Identifications remain in place
No additional testing is necessary (unless looking to identify in 2nd subject areas).
Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) sent home by end of December.
5th Grade:
Identifications remain in place
Middle School AIG is consult-based and collaboration with teachers.
Middle School Math Info

22. Duke Tip 4th - 6th Grade Talent Search
DUKE TIP 4th-6th Grade Talent Search Enrollment
Are you looking for more opportunities for your gifted student? That’s just what the 4th–6th Grade Talent Search benefits offer. Duke Tip is designed especially for gifted students seeking to discover and explore new interests while increasing their academic skills.
Enrichment Activities
Educational Programs
Above level testing (PSAT’s) is offered as well.
Duke Tip 4th - 6th Grade Talent Search
PAGE Super Saturday

24. Communication
Look for updates and announcements on my website – Can link through HDE’s website.
Highcroft Website
Mrs. Walters' Website
Remind
Any questions, comments, concerns??? is best method of contact – Please allow 24 hours for response.

25. Thank You For Attending!
T.E.A.M.
Together Everyone
Achieves More