Program DescriptionGrades K-2Students are formally identified for GT at the end of their 2nd grade year. Highly capable students in grades K-2 are served through classroom opportunities and differentiated instruction provided by the classroom teacher. Consultation with the GT Coordinator is provided to support teacher efforts at differentiating instruction for highly capable learners. Curriculum adaptation is also considered, as well as compacting curriculum, clustering students of like academic ability, and other best practices. Exceptionally highly capable gifted and talented learners are viewed on individual need-based criteria and needs are met accordingly.
Grades 3-5Formally identified GT students in grades 3-5 are invited to join an Advanced Learning Program (ALP), currently housed at Wilson Elementary and Lewis and Clark Elementary. Students who qualify and choose to participate in the ALP program from Lincoln, Van Buren, and Wilson attend Wilson Elementary. Washington, Sacajawea, and Lewis and Clark students attend classes at Lewis and Clark. Students board their normal buses near home, travel to their home school, and then board a second bus which takes them to their host school. The purpose of the Advanced Learning Program is to accelerate the instruction of math and reading for students who would benefit from a faster rate of learning than is offered in the regular classroom. Students are taught the same approved curriculum as the rest of the district as well as being provided advanced curriculum opportunities. The intent is not to double the students’ workload but to provide time to introduce depth and rigor in areas such as reading, math, science, problem solving, and critical thinking. Teachers who are teaching ALP classes either have an endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education or are working towards an endorsement and are committed to providing the best academic and social environment possible for gifted students. GT students who decline services in the ALP program and opt out are served in the general education classroom through differentiated instruction and classroom opportunities provided by the classroom teacher. Support from the Gifted and Talented Coordinator is provided, upon request, to classroom teachers in differentiating instruction, compacting curriculum, clustering gifted students in selected classrooms and other best practices for gifted students. Classes in differentiated instruction and best practices for gifted and highly capable students are also available for classroom teachers through Edufest, state offerings, and local colleges and universities.. District classes for teachers in gifted education are available and taught by a Gifted and Talented endorsed instructor.
Grades 6-8Students who qualified for ALP classes in grades 3-5 are invited to attend the 6th grade ALP pull-out classes in reading and language arts at the middle schools. This class focuses on language arts and is carefully coordinated with the general education teachers. New candidates to the program are evaluated on advanced status on formal testing in language arts or reading and a referral from the general education teacher. 7th and 8th grade gifted and talented students are invited to join Honors Classes provided in varying subject areas.
SecondarySecondary students excelling in content area courses that have advanced placement opportunities may be enrolled in AP classes or classes that offer concurrent college credits. Other opportunities available may include, but are not limited to, college release/dual enrollment classes; visual and fine arts opportunities, theater and musical productions and competitions, second language classes, Madrigals, student government, service projects, and mentorships.
If you have specific questions, please contact the special education director or your child's school. Gifted and Talented Coordinator: Evie Griswold - EGriswold@caldwellschools.org |