Elementary Accelerated Cluster

1. Elementary Accelerated Cluster Michael Dailey- Associate Director Deena Jones—Gifted and Talented Facilitator Julie Gann—Gifted and Talented Resource Specialist Gifted Office -381-4741

2. Mission of the Accelerated Cluster The mission of the Cluster Classes is to provide gifted students with differentiated instruction which challenges and meets each student’s unique social, emotional and intellectual needs in order to achieve their fullest potential.

3. Accelerated Cluster Advantages Accelerated and Enriched Content Differentiated content, process and products Opportunities for explorations, research and constructing higher level connections High level of critical and creative thinking Students find connections with like-minded classmates

4. Online Application • Application window is from August 15th-October 7th. • Go to www.fcps.net • Click on Education Options tab • Click Gifted and Talented and go to the Elementary Cluster Page. • Scroll down and click on Online Application. • Parents may list three choices on their application. Paper applications are available in room 105 at the IAKSS on main street.

5. Qualifying Tests • General Intellectual/Reading/Math • 2nd graders who are interested in accelerated cluster MUST apply online • Qualifications include: Ability test of 96%ile or above (Otis-Lennon) • 3rd graders are all given Otis-Lennon in all Fayette County Schools. • 2nd graders in Primary Talent Pool and who have applied will be given Otis-Lennon. • Achievement scores of 96% in reading and math. One score must be a 96%ile or above and a second score must be from 89% and above. (We review the last three windows of MAP)

6. Reading and Lang. Arts The reading and language arts curriculum is a critical thinking based program built around Junior Great Books and novel studies. Students will be involved in inquiry discussions and studies involving comprehension, vocabulary, story and figurative language elements.

7. Science and Social Studies • The Cluster Classes cover the common core curriculum required since the K-Prep test covers specific grade level content. Students will be able to experience a variety of enrichment options within this content (i.e. Science lab, independent projects, field trips and investigations).

8. Math • The Cluster Classes teach a variety of grade level skills using acceleration techniques, as well as, above grade level skills with an emphasis on problem solving. • Depending on the grade level, students may be using a variety of curriculum including Math in Focus and other research based math content or textbooks (i.e. texts from other publishers, Prufrock Press, Scholastic, The Critical Thinking company, math contests and projects).

9. What Happens Next? • The Accelerated Cluster program is a continuation program. Students who make satisfactory progress in elementary school, receive an invitation for placement in our two middle school clusters, located at Winburn Middle and Tates Creek Middle. • Students from the middle school cluster program will receive priority, but will still need to apply for placement in the Liberal Arts Academy at Henry Clay High School. • Students may also apply for other programs as well including: Math, Science and Technology program at Dunbar/Pre-Engineering Program at Lafayette, International Baccalaureate at Tates Creek, and the Academy of Information Technology at Bryan Station.

10. Thank you for your interest in the Elementary Accelerated Cluster Program!