WELCOME! Before we get started:

1. WELCOME!Before we get started: • Use the index cards on your table to write any specific questions you would like me to address tonight. • Question on one side • On the other side: include your name, your child’s name and contact information (email, phone #) if you would like a personal response • Talk to 1 or 2 parents that you have not met before. Find out a little about their experiences at Long Branch and their child(ren).

2. Kathryn Culbertson Resource Teacher for Gifted Services Long Branch Elementary School October 30, 2013

3. Agenda • Gifted Services at Long Branch • APS Gifted Identification Process

4. Resource Teacher Responsibilities • Promote differentiation in the classroom (strategies, content) and model instructional practices to develop and enhance student capacity • Provide enrichment and supplemental resources for teachers • Work with staff to take advantage of Professional Development opportunities related to gifted education • Facilitate APS identification process

5. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Four Key Questions Focused on Student Learning #1 What do we expect students to learn? #2 How will we know when they have learned it? #3 How will we provide time and support when they don’t learn it? #4 How will we expand learning when they already know it or learn it quickly?

6. Working with Students • Content instruction is coordinated by grade level each day (ex. All 5th grade math: 10-12 M, T, Th, F & 10-11 Tu) • RTG plans with and supports classroom teachers with extension activities and homework for students who have already shown mastery of grade level content • Support may look different in the various grade depending on teacher and student needs ** seek to do what is best for students and maximizes learning **

7. Classroom Support K, 1st & 2nd Grades • Model critical and creative thinking strategies in classes • Provide resources and differentiation support • Observe strengths and potential • Meet with small groups for reading and math enrichment weekly • Support teachers with lesson planning, resources and co-teaching as requested

8. Classroom Support 3rd - 5th Grade • Plan with teachers for Language Arts and Math lesson enrichment • Provide Literature/Reading and math instruction support for identified students • Meet weekly for math and Lang. Arts enrichment with identified and advanced students • Model Critical and Creative thinking strategies in all classrooms • Develop extension projects with teachers in content areas (beginning 2nd quarter)

9. Curriculum Examples • William and Mary Literature Units • Project M2 and Project M3 Advanced Math Units • Hands On Equations and Groundworks Algebra • AIMS Science/Math Activities • Continental Math League • Project Clarion Units • Social Studies Alive!

10. Arlington Public Schools Curriculum • Core Curriculum • English • Math • Science • Social Studies

11. English/Lang. Arts • Reading • Matched to student skill level, includes vocabulary study • Writing/Grammar • Instruction matched to student skills and interests • Word Study • Spelling and vocabulary leveled based on student skill development Mathematics • Number Sense • Computation and Estimation • Measurement • Geometry • Patterns, Functions, Algebra • Probability and Statistics Problem Solving and Communication skills developed throughout …

12. Science! Science Fusion *new* opportunities for virtual labs, hands on inquiry, thought-provoking questions/application within each unit Social Studies • Social Studies Alive! • Supplemental materials allow students to: • build upon prior knowledge • engage in activities to conceptualize knowledge • participate in higher order thinking • respond to assignments according to personal learning styles

13. Parent Resources • Additional information about APS Gifted Services is located on the APS website www.apsva.us • Click on • Curriculum and Instruction • Programs • Gifted Services

14. Contact Information Kathryn Culbertson Resource Teacher for Gifted Services Email: kathryn.culbertson@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-4220 Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor for Gifted Services Email: cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-6160

15. Part 2:Gifted Identification Process

16. Virginia Gifted Regulations • Virginia Department of Education regulations state that each school district must develop a plan to identify and provide services to those students who have learning needs beyond the regular instructional program. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/gifted_ed/index.shtml

17. Arlington Public Schools • Identify students who require gifted services • Provide teachers with Professional Development in understanding gifted child behaviors and mindset and providing appropriate instruction • Establish educational services to match the needs of gifted learners • Support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of gifted students

18. Gifted Services Identification • Specific Academic Aptitude (Grades K-12) • English • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies • Visual or Performing Arts (Grades 3-12) • Visual Art • Vocal Music • Instrumental Music (instruments taught in APS)

19. Screening for Gifted Services • School population is screened annually to create a pool of candidates based on student needs for gifted services (RTG, Classroom Teachers, Specialists) • Formal Screening - review test information • Grade 2 students take the Naglieri Ability Test (NNAT-2) • Grade 4 students take the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) • If not in grades 2 or 4, RTG administers a county-approved ability test • Students entering APS from other districts may have additional testing information which will be part of their screening process. • Informal Screening -teacher assessment, parent information, honors, awards, student participation in school events, competitions, etc.

20. Referrals for Gifted Services Students may be referred for services by: • Classroom teachers • school personnel • parents/guardians • community members • Self or other students until April 1st of the current school year • Identification decisions are sent to parents or guardians by letter within 10 school days of the Identification Committee meeting • Referral forms can be found here: • http://www.apsva.us/page/1846

21. Eligibility Criteria • Gifted Services in Specific Academic Areas • Nationally Normed Testing Data • Ability testing • Achievement testing • Teacher checklist • School-based Data • Parent Information • Work Samples

22. Eligibility Criteria • Visual Arts or Vocal/Instrumental Music Areas (Grades 3-12) • Art and Music Teacher Referral: Observations of Artistic Behaviors • Student Products • Grades • Parent Information

23. Appeals Process • An Appeal is available to families following the eligibility process • Appeals begin at the school level with the principal • A second level of appeal is countywide Gifted Services Administrative Appeals Committee (must be submitted within 30 days of the school level committee decision) • Students found ineligible for services may be re-referred after 365 days from date of testing.

24. Contact Information Kathryn Culbertson Resource Teacher for Gifted Services Email: kathryn.culbertson@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-4220 Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor for Gifted Services Email: cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-6160