COLLABORATION FOR EFFECTIVE DIFFERENTIATION

1. COLLABORATION FOR EFFECTIVE DIFFERENTIATION Presented by Wendy Cohen, Resource Teacher for Gifted Classroom Teacher Student Resource Teacher for Gifted

2. Agenda • Part 1: Gifted Services/Resources • Part 2: Gifted Identification

3. Questions and Exit Cards • On the table you will find post-it notes that can be used if you have any specific questions. • Please write the question, your name, your child’s name and your contact information, as well as the best time for me to contact you

4. Professional Responsibilities • Promote differentiation strategies in the classroom • Provide enrichment and supplemental resources for teachers • Model instructional strategies • Inform staff about gifted education training opportunities • Facilitate the identification process

5. Professional Learning Communities Four Key Questions Focus Us on Learning #1 What is it we expect our 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. Cluster Grouping • Students in grades 1-5 have been clustered into classrooms with intellectual peers • RTG plans with and supports the classroom teachers with extension activities and projects for those students who have already mastered grade level content • Support may look different in the various grade levels depending on teacher and student needs

7. Thinking Skills

8. Communication Differentiated Student Progress Form • Quarterly report to parents with report cards in grades 1-5 for identified students • The form documents differentiated instructional strategies and extensions • Replaces the Differentiation Instruction Planning Form

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

10. Part 2:Gifted Identification Process

11. 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

12. 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)

13. Screening for Gifted Services • Each year, the total population is screened by school staff to create a pool of candidates based on students’ need for gifted services • Screening is formal-review of testing information • All grade 2 students will take the Naglieri Ability Test (NNAT-2) • All grade 4 students will take the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) • Screening is informal---teacher feedback, parent information, honors, awards, student population in school events, competitions, etc.

14. Referrals for Gifted Services • Students may be referred for services by their classroom teacher, school personnel, parents/guardians, community leaders, and self or other students until April 1st of the current school year

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

16. 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

17. 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)

18. Contact Information Wendy Cohen wendy.cohen@apsva.us