1. Welcome to Spectrum!
Ms. Koren
Room H-4

2. About Me: Degree in Biology from Virginia Tech
Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech
Endorsement in Gifted Education from Shenandoah University
Twenty-four years of experience:
Atlanta, Georgia (High school Biology and Physical Science)
Fairfax County (High school Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science)
Loudoun County (7th grade Life Science)

3. How to contact me:
Call Smart’s Mill Middle School at to leave me a message with one of the secretaries, and I will return your call as soon as possible.
I have planning during blocks 6A and 8B.
me at school at

4. Class materials: Agenda Binder or composition book Pencil or pen
Chrome book

5. SPECTRUM STUDENTS are expected to:
Exhibit excitement/enthusiasm about the
subject
Possess curiosity and want to learn more
Like to be challenged
Demonstrate self motivation
Take appropriate risks
Apply knowledge to new situations
Question what is happening
Try to improve his/her work
Go beyond expectations
Work with others willingly and positively
Elaborate on ideas presented
Respect the views and rights of others
Self-evaluate and set goals
Be prepared for class

6. Goals of Spectrum students
To become divergent thinkers
who recognize problems and
solve them
To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and the world around them
To develop the capacity for self-assessment
To engage in critical and creative thinking
To conduct research and self-directed learning
To effectively communicate with others
To develop innovative products and performances which reflect creativity, individuality and professional-level quality

7. Skills Emphasized in spectrum:
The ability to inquire, think
critically, and gain knowledge
The ability to innovate and create
The ability to solve complex problems
The ability to communicate through multiple media
The ability to think globally
The ability to collaborate
We will conduct rigorous learning experiences that will engage students in thinking and acting on content that matters in order to develop understanding and expertise in a discipline.

8. Themes in spectrum Carry through all grade levels:
Ethics and Perspectives
Business and Economics
Communication and Culture
Science and Technology (STEM)

9. Year 1 Curriculum for grades 6/7
Includes, but is not limited to…
Archaeology
Ecybermission
Business: Pencil Company
Mystery Disease
Socratic Seminar/Debate
Word Masters
Crime Solving Mysteries
Survival Simulations
Independent Study

10. curriculum for Grade 8 Includes, but is not limited to…
Lifestyle Auction
Dilemma
Future City
Engineering Design
Verdict
Ethics
Rainbow Bay
Perplexors
“Mystery at Manor House”
Caribbean Survival
Continental Math League
Independent study

11. Year 2 curriculum for grades 6/7
Includes, but is not limited to…
Debate/Socratic Seminar
Esperanto
ASL
Ecybermission
Project Business
Tanglers, Too
Continental Math League
Crime Solving Mysteries
“Phantom of the Bell Tower” math mystery
Survival Simulations (Desert and Cascade)

12. How parents can support their spectrum students
Create a flexible, questioning atmosphere that allows the child to:
Discuss options
Hear and consider other viewpoints
Respectfully disagree
Stand up for beliefs and choices
Emphasize encouragement rather than pressure.
Encouragement emphasizes effort, perseverance, and the steps toward accomplishing a goal.

13. Outside enrichment Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Thomas Jefferson High School for Math and Science
Academy of Science
Enrichment summer schools and camp activities
Math, Language Arts, or Creative Problem- solving competitions such as Odyssey of the Mind

14. Web sites for more information
Virginia Association for the Gifted:
Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary
Loudoun County Public Schools:
National Organization for Gifted Children