Rachel Denbo Resource Teacher for the Gifted Drew Model Elementary School October 22, 2013

1. Rachel Denbo Resource Teacher for the Gifted Drew Model Elementary School October 22, 2013

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

3. Questions and Exit Cards • On each table you will find index cards 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. Grouping Information • 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 at the various grade levels depending on teacher and student needs • Some groupings are across grade levels, if it is appropriate (2-3, 4-5)

7. Classroom Support Kindergarten • Attend weekly Reading team meetings • Model critical and creative thinking strategies in classes on a rotating basis • Provide resources and differentiation support for homeroom teachers

8. Classroom Support 1st-5th Grades • Attend weekly team meetings • Planning with teachers as needed at meetings • Small group reading and math support for gifted students (mostly push-in groups in the classroom with the exception of 1st grade) • In classroom support for students identified in science or social studies • Model Critical and Creative Thinking Skills in classrooms

9. Curriculum Examples: Math • Project M2 and M3 Math Units (K-5) • Advanced inquiry-based math content focusing on problem solving • Best of the Continental Math League (2-5) • Exemplar Word Problems (K-5) • Hands on Equations (4-5) • Groundworks: Algebraic Thinking (1-5)

10. Curriculum Examples: Language Arts • Gifted Literature Units (K-5) • William and Mary Units (K-5) • Jacob’s Ladder: Critical Thinking Model (K-5) • Junior Great Books (K-5)

11. Curriculum Examples: Science/Social Studies • Project Clarion Units • William and Mary Units • Independent research based on student interest • Guidance with Science Fair projects

12. Critical Thinking Skills

13. Core Curriculum Lead Teachers

14. Communication Differentiated Student Progress Form • Report to parents in 1st and 3rd quarter report cards in grades 1-5 for identified students • The form documents differentiated instructional strategies and extensions • Replaces the Differentiation Instruction Planning Form (previously presented at conferences)

15. 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

16. Contact Information Rachel Denbo, Resource Teacher for the Gifted Email: rachel.denbo@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-5825 Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor of Gifted Services Email: cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-6160

17. Part 2:Gifted Identification Process

18. 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

19. Arlington Public Schools • Identify students who require gifted services • Train teachers in ways to provide services • Establish continuous educational services to match the needs of gifted learners • Support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of gifted students

20. 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)

21. 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) • All other referred students will receive an ability test if they not in grades 2 or 4 • Screening is informal-teacher feedback, parent information, honors, awards, student population in school events, competitions, etc.

22. Referrals for Gifted Services • In grades K-5, students may be referred for services by their classroom teacher, school personnel, parents/guardians or community leaders • Once referred, the committee has 90 instructional days to reach a decision • 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

23. Eligibility Criteria • Gifted Services in Specific Academic Areas (Math, English, Science or Social Studies) • National Normed Testing Information • Ability testing • Achievement testing • Teacher checklist • School-based Data • Parent Information • Work Samples

24. 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

25. Appeals Process • An Appeal is available for 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)

26. Contact Information Rachel Denbo, Resource Teacher for the Gifted Email: rachel.denbo@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-5825 Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor of Gifted Services Email: cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-6160