McKinney isd GT Elementary Program 2011 - 2012

1. McKinney isdGT Elementary Program 2011 - 2012 McKinney ISD exists to provide an excellent education for all. 

2. Agenda 1. Clustering & Team Teaching 2. 4th and 5th Grade Programs 3. Depth and Complexity 4. Report Cards 5. Q & A

3. Clustering • Diversity – Academically gifted students are able to interact with other gifted students, including those with different cultures, experiences, and learning styles. • Team Teaching – Instructors work purposefully and cooperatively, sharing insights to enhance the students’ academic development.

4. English Language Arts/Social Studies 4th –5th

5. Two Types of Olympic Points“A” Points“B” Points

6. First Place Second Place Third Place

7. ALPHA 21st Century Learning Model • Based on research, including workforce studies • Addresses the gap between knowledge and skills used in schools versus • the workplace and home. • Alpha goal is to align real-world skills to the classroom environment • Planner * Groups • Self-Evaluation * Effective use of technology • College, career challenges, and a competitive global workforce require: • 3 R’s -- Integrated content • 4 C’s -- Critical thinking/problem solving • Communication • Collaboration • Creativity/Innovation

8. 4th & 5th Grade Mathematics • Strategies and techniques to streamline problem-solving • Exploratory Math Olympiad problem-solving with sharing sessions • Algebraic reasoning • Contributions of famous mathematicians • Critical thinking and questioning • Math extensions related to concepts within and above the grade level(s)

9. Mathematics Homework • 30 minute maximum math homework limit • Exceeding the time limit requires parent signature • Goals for homework • Prepare to participate in class discussions • Develop mathematical thinking, rather than concentrate on “correct” answers

10. Science • Participate in The Jason Project: Monster Storms, a simulation developed in partnership with NOAA, NASA, and the National Geographic Society. • Explore physical, earth, and life science using Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity Thinking Model • Apply the methods, processes, tools, ands skills of scientists while building background knowledge, as well as during problem-based learning tasks, which include Monster Storms and The Power of 300 – Building an Environmentally-Stronger County.

11. English Language Arts Grammar Court You’ve Been Sentenced Game: Punctuation, Usage, Parts of Speech, Diagramming Journalism Reading Mentor texts – Various newspaper articles from multiple genres (news, reviews, feature articles) Writing Based on structure, techniques from mentor texts. Published on ANN - Weebly website.

12. ALPHA Film Academy (AFA) and alpha news network (ANN) • Full integration of grade-level writing TEKS and writing workshop processes and journalism • Create professional quality products (newscasts, documentary, news articles) using required real-world techniques, vocabulary, and processes • Develop content-based projects using core subject concepts and creativity (feature article on monster storm based on Jason Project). • Compare the purposes and processes between making movies and news reporting: camera work, visual effects, timelines, music, lighting, etc.

13. Social Studies • Integrates reading, writing, and thinking through document-based questions (DBQs) under systems’ theme. • Three DBQs: • Ties past to present and future.

14. Depth • Know and use the language of the discipline. • Use detailsto elaborate in the discipline. Details are very specific, not general. • Look for patternsof recurring elements (identify, predict, generalize). • Look for trends or forces that shape a body of knowledge. (literature, history, prior knowledge

15. Depth • Identify the unanswered questions about issues/concerns in the discipline. • Identify and explain therules or how information/events are organized in the discipline. • Be sensitive to the ethical considerations in the problem/issue/discipline. (‘tug-of-war’ or conflict needing resolution). • Look at big ideas that can be supported by the evidence from a body of knowledge, including facts, rules, trends, patterns, etc..

16. Complexity • Look at ideas/information over time. (Past-Present-Future) • Look at ideas/information from different points-of-view. (interdisciplinary) • Look for connections among/between ideas/information (different subjects)

17. Alpha Report Card ALPHA report cards will be sent home each nine weeks. Based on: • goals and objectives specifically designed for gifted learners in the Alpha classroom. • strong emphasis on process learning and application • the evidence of development and application of enduring understandings.

18. What is a 4? • Proficient with grade-level skills. • Consistently demonstrates exemplary understanding using depth and complexity. • Demonstrates application of skills in a variety of complex situations. • Works independently after initial instruction.

19. What is a 3? • Demonstrates proficient understanding of grade-level skills. • Applies skills independently by the conclusion of the grading period. There may be ups and downs as new concepts are learned. • Applies and demonstrates elements of depth and complexity with increasing frequency. Needs some teacher direction.

20. “There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal children.”~ S. Fennell

21. Questions?

22. Thank you so much for joining us! We appreciate your support for your child and education. -The Elementary ALPHA Team