Tacoma Public Schools Gifted Enhancement Plan

1. Tacoma Public SchoolsGifted Enhancement Plan Dr. Sandy Wentworth Patrick Johnson

2. What is the TPS Gifted Enhancement Plan ? • The Tacoma Public Schools Gifted Enhancement Plan is an expansion and enhancement of the Highly Capable program based on the new state Washington Administrative Code’s (WAC’s) and an outside program audit conducted by Dr. Carolyn Callahan an expert in the field of gifted education.

3. Why does TPS need a Gifted Enhancement Plan? • Current Legislative Mandates • Outside Program Evaluation Report – Dr. Carolyn Callahan • Current Research Findings

4. When will the gifted enhancement plan be implemented? • The three phase/three year plan will be implemented beginning the Fall of 2015. • Year 1: 2015-2016 • Year 2: 2016-2017 • Year 3: 2017-2018

5. Who will be responsible for the oversight of the plan? • Patrick Johnson Director of Equity and Academic Excellence • Dr. Sandy Wentworth Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education with emphasis in Gifted Education from the University of Southern Mississippi

6. What steps will be taken during 2014-2015 to prepare for the implementation in Fall of 2015? (on 2 slides) • Step 1: Prepare the written strategic three year plan. • Step 2: Meet with Transportation to address transportation impacts. • Step 3: Meet with Principals involved with Year 1 to address concerns, write plan for their individual schools, and receive their support. • Step 4: Meet with Advisory Committees to receive feedback.

7. What steps will be taken during 2014-2015 to prepare for the implementation in Fall of 2015? (on 2 slides) • Step 5: Meet with Teachers to provide training and receive feedback. • Step 5: Meet with Human Resources to address Human Resource Impact. • Step 6: Meet with Upper Administration with updated Gifted Enhancement Plan document to address concerns and receive their support. • Step 7: Send updated Gifted Enhancement Plan document to School Board for approval.

8. REFER TO HANDOUT • REFER TO HANDOUT “Gifted Service Value Options”

9. What types of service models currently have the largest enrollment in regard to elementary students within TPS?

10. What types of service models will be phased outduring the three year plan?

11. Why is there a phase out of the pull-out programs? • Current Research states the loss of instructional time is too great to continue pull-out models if other models are available. • Current research indicates the issues with make-up work requirements of missed instruction in the regular classroom are a major concern with the pull-out model. • Current research indicates the issues and cost of transportation can be problematic for districts. • Students that are highly capable, are not just highly capable a few hours a week -- legislation states highly capable services are a basic education need for such students.

12. What types of service models will be enhanced during the three year plan? • Pull- In Models and Mainstream Models

13. What are some Advantages/Disadvantages of the Pull-In Type of Model? ADVANTAGES • Permits students to stay in home schools • Flexible • Program is school-wide • Less visible and less labels • Achievement scores for entire school may improve • 1 study=increased teacher morale, student achievement, innovative teaching DISADVANTAGE * Staff Development Requirements

14. How many schools will be involved during each year of the Gifted Enhancement Plan?

15. What provisions are the district taking regarding staff training for the highly capable? • Refer to Handout “Calendar Highly Capable Programs 2014-2015”

16. Questions ? Comments?