1. Go confidently in the directions of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined. …Thoreau ***Materials in this Powerpoint are used with the permission of Ms. Debra Breazzano, District 38 Gifted and Talented Facilitator

2. GT Program Design: Student Directed at High School GT Program Design: Student Directed at High School GT Facilitator, Counselor & YOU!! Schedules College & Career Preparation Extra- Curricular Activities Challenging Courses Contests & Competitions

3. GT Students: Very Diverse Students can be gifted in one or more areas. D11 identifies 3 areas of giftedness: 1. verbal (language arts) 2. quantitative (math/science) 3. non-verbal (visual/spatial)

4. Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) for all GT students: A written individualized STUDENT-DIRECTED educational plan mandated by Colorado Dept. of Education : Goals and options for student success and optimal learning outlined College and career plans addressed Strategies designed to work through academic and personal/social challenge Complete your ALP online. Instructions will be made available to students. Student Consultations will be scheduled during the school day.

5. Twice-Exceptional Students Demonstrate extraordinary abilities in one or more areas and have mild to severe disabilities  Have been identified as gifted AND also have a 504 or IEP  2X Support through collaboration of GT with other case managers and interventionists

6. The GT student who has unique needs Underachieving Gifted Students: Demonstrate a significant discrepancy or gap between their exceptional intellectual or creative ability and their actual performance in school.

7. ACADEMIC PLANNING Your high school transcript matters! Your high school transcript matters! Course selection and GPA are important all four years of high school Course selection and GPA are important all four years of high school As a Junior, ACT and SAT scores will also be critical for college admissions As a Junior, ACT and SAT scores will also be critical for college admissions

8. BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND… GT programming focuses on post- graduate planning starting with you, the freshman class, NOT to take away from enjoying the present reality as a new high school student, but to ensure that you can accomplish your goals that can lead to realizing your dreams.

9. Design your four-year academic plan now! Reference the course handbook and look at what is offered Each year this will be revised but it provides a whole picture look to ensure your academic needs/preferences are addressed

10. Minimum College Entrance Academic Requirements for the Class of 2017 As per CCHE to be admitted to Public College or University: 4 years of English 4 years of Math – Algebra I or higher 3 years of Natural Science – 2 must be laboratory courses 3 years of Social Studies – 1 must be US History or World Civilization 1 year of Foreign language 2 years of Academic Electives **Check with prospective colleges. Requirements vary depending on the institution and intended major.

11. Selective or “Ivy” College Academic Requirements: Rigor demonstrated in all core subjects with electives supporting student interests…no free periods! Did the student challenge themselves? Demonstration of student challenge is even more important than GPA! (MIT Educational Consultant)  Honors Classes  AP Classes  IB Curriculum  Concurrent Enrollment  Specific Coursework required by the College you are applying to (reference the college’s website even now!)

12. Differentiation – key to success when building your resume FOUR KEY AREAS (for Selective College Admissions*) Excellence/Expertise: Focused on something enough to excel at it Leadership: Demonstrate examples of leadership by the student Community Service/Volunteerism: Civic responsibility; reach beyond themselves Passion/Vision: Demonstrate passion about something; true joyfulness (FOR USAFA and other Military Academies: Excellence in Academics, Athletics, Leadership, and Character)

13. Enrichment Matters! Find something you’re passionate about and get involved. Keep a record of your activities. Our high schools provide many of the services and resources you need! Take advantage. Many projects/activities can be completed during the summer in order to keep your life less stressful.

14. Extracurricular A variety of contests, competitions, and extracurricular activities available throughout District 11. Refer to your high school and D-11 website throughout the year!

15. Preparation, Focus, and Passion = Success! Regardless of what postsecondary plan you have, this formula works for any life endeavor

16. Scholarships and Financial Awards Available for all high school grades Reference GT and Counseling websites for links A student, who ended up having her entire college funded by scholarships, began organizing a spreadsheet during her freshman year. Ask your GT facilitator for more information if you are interested.

17. PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS The Boettcher Scholarship as the “Bar”: 40 are awarded each year covering full tuition, fees, living expenses and books at any Colorado University Must be from Colorado and rank in approximately the top 5% of the class with outstanding SAT/ACT scores as a minimum criteria Eligible applicants are assessed based on: Evidence of leadership and involvement Service to community and school Superior scholastic ability Outstanding character

18. How you can optimize your learning! Balance academics with personal/social needs Time-Management (pace yourself) Self-Advocacy (ask for what you need) Relaxation (have fun, and get enough sleep) Sense of Humor (laughter is balm for the soul)

19. GT Facilitator as YOUR RESOURCE! Contact your gifted resource teacher with any questions or concerns! Coronado: Mrs. Schulzki Doherty: Mrs. Keller Mitchell: Ms. Gibbs Palmer: Mr. Chamberlin Wasson Campus: Mrs. Pustizzi CIVA: Mrs. Burwell