AIG Conference August 20, 2009

1. AIG ConferenceAugust 20, 2009 Kaylene Burcham-Hall

2. Welcome Parents • North Carolina Academic Scholars Program • DEP’s (Differentiated Educational Plans) • Ten Misconceptions of AIG Students • Tips on Handling Academic Stress

3. What Are the Acronyms? • AIG stands for Academically and Intellectually Gifted; students are labeled AG through testing. • DEP stands for Differentiated Educational Plan.

4. NC Academic Scholars Program • What are the benefits? • Students who complete the requirements for an academically challenging high school program will be named North Carolina Academic Scholars and receive special recognition. • Students may use this special recognition in applying for scholarships and to post-secondary institutions.

5. BENEFIT AND REQUIREMENT • Honors courses are more heavily weighted, i.e., Honors English A = 5 points Standard English A = 4 points • Foreign language levels 3, 4, & 5 carry an extra quality point. [Levels 1 & 2 are required for graduation.] • Students must have an overall four-year unweighted GPA of 3.5 to qualify as an academic scholar.

6. What is the Academic Scholars Program of Study? Credits • English Language Arts I, II, III, IV 4 • Mathematics 4 (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a higher level math course with Algebra II as prerequisite OR Integrated Mathematics I, II, III, and a higher level mathematics course with Integrated Mathematics III as prerequisite) • Science 3 (a Physics or Chemistry course, Biology, and an Earth/Environmental Science course) • Social Studies 3 (World History, Civics/Economics, and U.S. History) • Foreign Languages 2 • Healthful Living 1 • Career and Technical Education 1 • Arts Education 1 (Dance, Music, Theatre Arts or Visual Arts) • Elective Credits 5 * to include at least two second-level or advanced courses (Examples of electives include JROTC and other courses that are of interest to the student.) • Total Credits 24

7. DEP’s • These forms are housed in confidential folders. • DEP’s are examined by faculty of gifted students as a reference. • Guidance refers to an individual DEP as needed.

8. DEP’s • Please indicate, with a check mark, the courses you and your child feel should be a part of your student’s high school plan. • This plan is important as it makes you and your student aware of offerings at Wilkes Central and serves as a legal document for the gifted program.

9. Remember, these are not rigid commitments but serve as a guide for your child. Honors classes (1 extra point) AP classes (2 extra points) AIG/Honors Classes: Senior English IV Honors & Honors Discrete Mathematics are offered. AP Biology & European History (not offered) AP Offerings: English III & IV; US History; Statistics; Calculus.) AP TESTS (Spring) Pass all AP Tests=5 Possible Credits in College Recommendations: Service Options

10. Potential activities to supplement the high school experience: Dual Enrollment Afternoon/Evening College (beginning with sophomore students, providing they qualify) Summer School-College Virtual High School Cyber Classroom Courses. Other

11. Teachers may use any of the following methods of instruction to meet the needs of students: computer-based, differentiated instructional units, curriculum compacting, independent study, contracts within courses and authentic assessment. Content Modification

12. Finalize your DEP;Student and Parentsign and date.

13. #1 Gifted kids have it made and will succeed no matter what; they don’t need any special help. #2 Gifted kids should love school, get high grades, and greet each new school day with enthusiasm. #3 Gifted students come from white middle- and upper-class families. #4 Gifted kids are good at everything they do. #5 Teachers love to have gifted students in their classes. Maddening Myths

14. #6 If gifted students are grouped together, they will become snobbish and elitist. #7 All gifted kids have trouble adjusting to school and forming friendships. #8 Gifted students don’t know that they’re “different” unless someone tells them. #9 Gifted students must constantly be challenged and kept busy or they’ll get lazy. Maddening Myths

15. #10 Gifted kids are equally mature in all areas--academic, physical, social, and emotional. Maddening Myth

16. STRESS

17. Quote by David Elkind • “Contemporary American society has struck teenagers a double blow. It has rendered them more vulnerable to stress while at the same time exposing them to new and more powerful stresses than were ever faced by previous generations of adolescents.”

18. STRESS • Identify the Cause. Name IT! • Make a List of Top 5-10 Causes of Stress. • Take Responsibility. • Take Positive Action. • Engage in One or More Stress-Reducing Activities.

19. Stress Reducing Activities • Go to a movie or watch a video. • Take a nap. • Talk to somebody you know and trust. • Experience nature, i.e., take a hike. • Go for a ride, car or bike. • Visit your church, synagogue, temple, or mosque. • Wander through a bookstore.

20. Stress Reducing Activities • Call a relative on the telephone. • Work on a hobby. • Do something nice for another person (anonymously). • Exercise! • Consciously, breath deeply.

21. Go with the FLOW? • “Rule Number 1 is, don’t sweat the small stuff. • “Rule Number 2 is, it’s all small stuff. And if you can’t fight and you can’t flee, flow.” Dr. Robert S. Eliot

22. QUESTIONS?

23. Contact WCHS AIG Teachers or Guidance Counselors Mrs. Donna Rollins (juniors & seniors) and Mrs. Bley (freshmen & sophomores) at 667-5277. Contact Wilkes County AIG Program Specialist, Pat Mazza, at 667-1121. CONTACTS

24. Thanks for Coming! • Thanks for your attendance and support of our program! • BEST Wishes to You and Your Children! GO EAGLES!