Commonwealth Governor’s School Application Workshop

1. Commonwealth Governor’s School Application Workshop JANUARY 8, 2019

2. This information will be entered via the online application form. Please contact the Focus teacher in your child’s building for the link.

3. Starred items must be completed before the Form will allow you to continue to the next page. All information must be entered and submitted in one session. This is the second section.

4. Academic Honors and Leadership Record KEY POINTS: • This information must be submitted through the online application form. • The required documentation for 3 point honors should be turned in to the Focus teacher at your child’s school. This could be a certificate, letter, ribbon, etc. • List an honor only ONE time. You will not receive points for the same activity listed more than one time.

7. Submitting and Editing Your Application Form When you submit your responses, you will be taken to this screen. Right-click on Edit your response to open the menu, then select Copy link address to copy your edit link. Paste the link into a document so that you are able to access it later if needed.

8. Candidate Profile Sheet The Focus teacher at your child’s school will complete this form. Refer to this form throughout the process to view the points breakdown for each component of the application.

9. Required Testing Ability Testing: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) • Typically administered as part of the Focus referral process • No scores on file or tested prior to Grade 6-You must take this test. • Tested in Grade 6-You may choose whether to take this test. In the case you opt to test, the most recent scores will count for the application. • Tested in Grade 7 or 8-Your scores are current and you may not take this test. Achievement Testing: PSAT 8/9 or Iowa • If you took the PSAT 8/9 this year, the scores from that test will be used for the application. • If you were absent or did not take the test, the Focus teacher at your child’s school will administer the Iowa Assessments in Reading and Math. *Please note that the Focus teacher at your child’s school will schedule all testing.

10. Grade Point Average Grade Point Average GPA is calculated using the grades from the end of the year for 6th and 7th grades and first semester of 8th grade. Points are given based on the cumulative GPA.

11. Academic Information Chart

12. Teacher Recommendations ENGLISH/MATH MUST COME FROM A CURRENT OR 7TH GRADE TEACHER - MENTOR / OTHER WITHIN 3 YEARS.

13. Be sure to give each teacher/ mentor the correct form. They are different. Instruct teacher/ mentor to return to Focus teacher rather than Counseling. Complete this box before giving to teacher/mentor.

14. Portfolio Items Prepare 3 items to bring with you to your interview. KEY POINTS: • At least one item must be from OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL. • Use the descriptors on the Student Portfolio page to guide your selections. • Speak with the Focus resource teacher at your child’s school if your child is in need of technology, band equipment, keyboard, etc. for use during the interview.

16. Interview • Interviews will be scheduled soon after the applications are turned in. • Interviews last approximately 15 – 20 minutes. • Dress nicely. • Bring portfolio items with you to the interview. • Be prompt. • Prepare ahead of time-determine what you want the interviewers to know about each piece.

17. SCPS Focus Resource Teachers DEVON WASHINGTON- DREW MIDDLE SCHOOL BOB LONG – A. G. WRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL SUZANNE WILSON – DIXON-SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL SUSAN EASTER – GAYLE MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDRA DEFIORE– H.H. POOLE MIDDLE SCHOOL ALLISON DOBSON – STAFFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL SCOTT TROTTA – RODNEY THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL KEVIN BOUFFARD – SHIRLEY HEIM MIDDLE SCHOOL STEPHENIE FELLINGER - TEACHING & LEARNING FACILITATOR FOR K-12 GIFTED EDUCATION AND SECONDARY PROGRAMS