1. WELCOME TO…… WELCOME TO…… The Middle School Gifted & Talented Education Program Spring Parent Orientation Tracy Spillman Lime Kiln Middle School G/T Resource Teacher

2. Gifted & Talented Education Program Mission The Gifted and Talented Education Program seeks to recognize and develop talents in advanced-level learners.

3. Gifted & Talented Education Program Goals Accelerate achievement and performance levels of students who participate in G/T Education Program offerings Increase successful participation of underrepresented populations of students in G/T Education Program offerings Build a community of G/T Education Program advocates.

4. Middle School G/T Education Program Components: An Overview The Schoolwide Enrichment Program G/T Classes and Curricular Extensions Extended Day/Year Programs

5. THE SCHOOLWIDE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM I II III Exploratory Experiences G/T Instructional Seminars G/T Classes and Curricular Extensions G/T Research Investigations & Creative Productions Student as Consumer Student as Producer

6. TYPE II: Instructional Seminars Why? Why? To work with G/T Resource Teacher to extend student interests and develop advanced- level skills Who? Who? Interested students who are committed to in- depth study When? When? As need and interests arise What? What? Take a look at some examples…

7. Television Production Daily television show to simulate professional broadcast Student led and produced Producers Directors Scriptwriters Anchors Camera and Graphics Technicians

8. Middle School Book Club A Book Club organized and led by advanced-level readers who enjoy participating in thought-provoking literary discussions. It is offered in partnership with Barnes and Noble.

9. Debate The Debate Instructional Seminar motivates a group of students to use their voices to engage in meaningful, persuasive discourse about contemporary issues, thereby strengthening their leadership, critical thinking, and presentation skills. Offered in all middle schools under the direct instruction of the school’s G/T Resource Teacher

10. Additional Seminar Topics Model Rocketry Environmental Science Film Production Historical Research Journalism Graphic Design Music Composition Computer Programming

11. THE SCHOOLWIDE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM I II III Exploratory Experiences G/T Instructional Seminars G/T Classes and Curricular Extensions G/T Research Investigations & Creative Productions Student as Consumer Student as Producer

12. TYPE III: Research Investigations & Creative Productions Why? Why? To emulate research tools and methodologies of professionals by investigating real world problems and presenting to authentic audiences Who? Who? Available to any interested student When? When? Throughout the academic year What? What? Publication of book, scientific discovery, historical reenactment, instigation of legislation, original music/dramatic production…

13. Selection Procedures Selection Procedures 1.Complete an interest form. 2. Participate in an interview with the G/T Resource Teacher.

14. G/T Content Classes and Extensions Mathematics English Social Studies Science

15. G/T Mathematics An enriched sequence that follows a curriculum of concepts at least two years accelerated above the general education curriculum.  6 - Pre-Algebra G/T  7 – Algebra I/Data Analysis G/T  8 - Geometry G/T

16. Geometry-grade 8  Able to think critically  Not only know theorems and operations……Need to apply what they know to new situations and explain why formulas work  Should not require a tutor to stay in GT class  Able to catch on to new material quickly  Important for SATs

17. G/T Science An accelerated program of differentiated objectives where students explore scientific principles and engage in ongoing original scientific research using an experimental design. Science 6 G/T (Earth & Space Science focus) Science 7 G/T Biological focus) Science 8 G/T (Physics & Chemistry focus)

18. G/T Social Studies An accelerated program of differentiated objectives where students explore civic and cultural principles and engage in inquiries that focus on essential, related questions. 6 – G/T Geography and World Cultures 7 – G/T Geography and World Cultures 8 – G/T U.S. History through the Reconstruction

19. An accelerated program of differentiated objectives where students explore complex literary works and create compositions of advanced style, tone, and form. 6th: Anne Frank, The Sword and the Stone, Prince and the Pauper GT English 7th: Antigone, an Edgar Allan Poe collection, The House on Mango Street or Lupita Manana 8th: Frankenstein, The Odyssey, The Red Badge of Courage

20. GT English - Grade 6  Writing-organization, word choice, and fluency are evident in all work  May use graphic organizers but able to generate detailed paragraph within 15-20 minutes  Organization of materials and time  Self-motivated  Can translate verbal ideas easily  Details

21. GT English - Grade 7  Expected to write a 5 paragraph essay, w/o preparing in advance; 30 minute time period (Standard for SATs)  Material read is from 7th-10th grade reading level  Study high level material that needs a mature audience (Poe)  Projects are more intense  30 minutes presentation with 6 weeks research  Self motivated and able to do their OWN work

26. Selection and Placement Procedures for G/T Classes Nomination Testing ( SCAT Ability Testing - 9th grade norms ) Placement Review Procedures

27. GT Placement?  Advanced writing skills  High-level abstract thinking and problem- solving ability  Task commitment and self motivation  Interest in seeking challenges and solving advanced-level problems

28. The Interdisciplinary Planning Teams  An Interdisciplinary Planning Team led by the G/T Resource Teacher meets monthly in grade level teams to assess student progress and to plan  inter-curricular connections.

29. Extended Day/Extended Year Advanced Mathematics - grade 7 Visual Arts - G/T Art - grades 6, 7, 8 G/T Orchestra, G/T Symphonic Band, and G/T Chorus - grades 6, 7, 8 G/T Summer Institutes for Talent Development - All grades

30. Selection Procedures Demonstrated Advanced Level Skills / Ability Advanced Mathematics Nomination, Testing, and In-depth Assessment Art Portfolio (Spring selection (Contact Art Teacher) Music Audition (Contact Music Teachers)

31. GT Website: www.hcpss.org/gt GT Website: www.hcpss.org/gt Parent Academy Meetings Parent Academy Meetings National Association for Gifted Children National Association for Gifted Children www.nagc.org www.nagc.org Parent Resources

32. GT Advisory Steering Committee  Maria Datta  Maria@fdmhome.com Maria@fdmhome.com  301 854-0064  All comments are welcome

33. Parents can…  Encourage children to participate in GT Program  Attend GT Parent Academy Meetings  Communicate via email  Volunteer in GT Room

34. Tips for Success  Communicate with teachers  Check agenda book  Encourage independent work  Maintain a sense of humor  Stay informed  Be prepared for the unexpected!

35. Feel free to contact me by e-mail at tracy_spillman@hcpss.o rg Or by phone 410-880-5988

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37. Thank you for your support! I look forward to working with you and your children next year. Please email me with any questions or comments.