LPE Discovery Patsy Mendel Discovery Coordinator mendelp@ltisdschools 533-5481

1. LPE Discovery Patsy Mendel Discovery Coordinator mendelp@ltisdschools.org 533-5481

2. Who is gifted and talented? A gifted and talented student is defined by the State of Texas as one who “shows the potential for performing or performs at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to other children of the same age, experience, or environment, and who: Exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area, possesses an unusual capacity for leadership, or excels in a specific academic field.” Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students, Chapter 29, Subchapter D

3. At LPE… The discovery program goal is to identify and serve students who perform in the top 3-5 % of the students nationally in the areas of general intellectual ability creativity advanced academic achievement Participating students will demonstrate skill in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment. It is a goal of the classroom teacher to provide extension when ever possible however we are guided by the state of Texas as to what is to be taught in the classroom. The district has also provided a rigid curriculum that must be adhered to.

4. The Elementary Discovery Program is a cross-curricular thematic based pullout program for students in 2nd – 5th grade (Second grade students will be partially identified from the results of the October 2013 Stanford Achievement Test administered by homeroom teacher. Additional testing will be necessary for GT identification). Identified students will miss a portion of a core subject two/three times a week and continue to fifth grade. Students may not be pulled from a specials (Art, Music, P.E.) and/or lunch or recess. In grades kindergarten and first, the GT teacher will collaborate with and provide assistance to kindergarten and first grade teachers for students in their classrooms providing enrichment activities.

5. A Bright Child :A Gifted Child: Knows the answers Asks the questions Is interested  Is very curious Pays attention Gets involved mentally and physically Works hard Can be inattentive and still get good grades and test scores Answers the questions Questions the answers Enjoys same-age peers Prefers adults or older children Learns easily Often already knows the answers Is self-satisfied (when gets right answer) Is highly self-critical (perfectionists) Great grades mean smart kid May or may not be motivated by grades Is good at memorizing Is good at guessing

6. My observation as a classroom teacher… Students who have been identified as gifted an talented are able to grasp new concepts readily AND apply them to new learning, process new learning to a greater depth. In addition… Many learn with great passion, intensity, obsession….. They can not help themselves…nothing artificial about their desire.

7. The B Word… Boredom….and a word about this word from Mrs. Mendel

8. Nominations or referrals will be accepted for this school year until September 27, 2013. Parent must also fill out a Parent Referral Form and turn in by September 27, 2013. A parent or teacher may refer a student for testing. However, second graders will be screened through the Stanford Test, administered in October. Therefore, nominations or referrals are restricted to grades three through five. Teachers or parents may notify me by email if you wish your child to go through the screening process. A Parent Referral Form will need to be completed and returned. The Parent Referral Form may be found on my website. Parent will receive letter requesting permission for student to continue with the actual testing. Students will be pulled out of a core subject to be tested during the month of October (after October 5th). If your child is a new student and has been previously identified in another school, the Discovery Coordinator will determine if any/all additional tests will need to be administered. The parent referral form will not need to be completed.

9. The battery of tests will include…. OLSAT- verbal/nonverbal (timed) SAT10- reading and math Creativity Test- not how well student can draw but rather how deep is their interpretation of a visual cue. This nationally normed test also tests flexibility in thinking. Teacher Observation-Teacher will compare how student adapts to learning and learning environment.

10. Parents will receive written notification of placement status on or before October 18, 2013.

11. What can you do to keep your child growing? • Alternatives/ suggestions: • Allow child time to read or read to child and discuss • Do not have child complete advanced workbook • Nurture their strength or strengths • Foster creativity by allowing down time for play time • (not video games) • Examples of nonartificial activities • Board games that foster using a strategy (etc… checkers, chess, Blokus) • Have child calculate the cost of gasoline to and from school, soccer, vacation, etc. • Give your child 20 bucks and have him or her select dinner at HEB • After a nature walk, child can classify collection of rocks, leaves, etc…