W hat educators and psychologists recognize as giftednessis
really potential giftedness which denotes promise rather than
fulfillment probabilities rather than certainties. Much (depends)
on (the) match between a childs talents and the kinds of nurturance
provided.
Slide 3
One size does not fit all. What is best for your child?
Slide 4
Each child has a unique profile of strengths.
Slide 5
Intelligence is not how much you know or how fast you learn,
but how you behave when you dont know the answer.
Slide 6
Slide 7
Children who have been identified for advanced academic
services have the potential to achieve high levels of
accomplishment, and this potential needs to be recognized and
addressed. In order to meet their needs and develop their
abilities, these high ability learners require a differentiated
curriculum that provides advanced learning opportunities.
Slide 8
A student in grades K through 12 who demonstrate high
performance ability or academic potential and who have a cognitive,
physical, behavioral, or emotional disability that requires
accommodations in order for their potential to be realized. Twice
Exceptional Learners (2e): Who Are They?
Slide 9
Critical and Creative Thinking Strategies Level I Services All
children learn to think, reason, and problem-solve through nine
strategies that challenge students to use and apply knowledge in
new and different ways. Lessons that develop critical and creative
thinking skills are used by teachers with all students in K-6
classrooms.
Differentiated Curriculum Framework for AAP Services (Levels
II-IV)
Slide 13
Differentiated Lessons in Areas of Academic Strength Level II
Differentiated instruction is provided through more challenging
content, assignments, resources, and flexible groupings in one or
more areas of academic strength. Advanced Academic Resource
Teachers plan, collaborate, and share ideas and resources with
classroom teachers and other specialists.
Slide 14
Part-Time Advanced Academic Program Level III Students work
directly with the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher to receive
enrichment and extensions to curriculum and instruction. The
Advanced Academic Resource Teacher plans and collaborates with the
classroom teachers and other teachers who work with the students
e.g., ESOL and special education. Direct services may take the form
of the AART co-teaching a with the classroom teacher with flexible
instructional groups within the classroom or pull-out groups.
Slide 15
Young Scholars A Model for Success All Levels K-12 Young
Scholars Committed professionals Nurture, guide, support Essential
elements Find, identify
Slide 16
Local Advanced Academic Programs Screening for School-Based
Services (Levels II-III) All students are evaluated for Advanced
Academic Programs school-based services using multiple sources of
information. Local school Advanced Academic Programs screening
committee determines eligibility for school-based services
Parents/guardians may initiate a referral
Slide 17
Full-Time Advanced Academic Program Grades 3-6 Level IV
Full-Time Advanced Academic Program Grades 3-6 Level IV The
full-time advanced academic program is differentiated in depth,
breadth, and pace of instruction. It provides an appropriate level
of challenge for highly gifted learners with a strong emphasis on
critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving. The
mathematics curriculum is accelerated by one grade level and
readings and resources that are used in other subject areas are
also presented at advanced levels. Students have opportunities for
ongoing opportunities for reflection and self-assessment.
Slide 18
Information Considered in Placement Decisions for Part-Time and
Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs Ability test scores - Naglieri
Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT), Grade 1 -FCPS Cognitive Ability Test
(CogAT) Custom Form, Grade 2 Achievement Test Scores - Standards of
Learning (SOL) scores Gifted Behavior Rating Scale (GBRS) Progress
Reports Additional Information - record of previous Advanced
Academic services received - work samples, certificates, and/or
awards (8 x 11) - Parent Questionnaire (for level IV
referrals)
Slide 19
Local School Screening for Full-Time Advanced Academic
Placement Grade 2: Pool Candidates Screening pool is established
using the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) from 1 st grade
and the FCPS Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) Custom Form, Grade 2.
Parents of students in the second grade screening pool receive a
letter notifying them that their child will be screened for the
full-time advanced academic program. Parents may decline screening.
Grades 2 7: Referral Candidates Parents may submit full-time
advanced academic program referrals for 2nd grade students not in
the pool, and students in grades 3-7. Screening file is prepared by
the local school Advanced Academic Programs screening committee and
submitted to central selection committee. Eligibility decisions
made by the central selection committee, and reviewed by an
oversight committee. Parent/guardian(s) are notified by mail
regarding eligibility.
Slide 20
Testing Timeline 2014-2015 All 1 st /2 nd grade students, and
students in grades 3-7 who are missing ability test scores, are
tested. *First graders will take the NNAT in March. *Second graders
will take the FCPS Cognitive Ability Test, Custom Form, Grade 2 in
the fall. Scores from the 1 st grade NNAT and FCPS Cognitive
Ability Test, Custom Form, Grade 2 (during the regular testing
window) are considered for the 2 nd grade pool. All other Level IV
screening files are generated by referral. There is no advantage to
having a file initiated by pool vs. referral. Fall Testing Windows:
FCPS Cognitive Ability Test, Custom Form, Grade 2 and CogAT (grades
3-7 by request for CogAT or NNAT) (October 2014) Naglieri Nonverbal
Abilities Test (NNAT) March 2015 Spring testing is only for FCPS
students enrolled after the fall testing cycle and are referred for
Level IV advanced academic services. A parent/guardian may seek
private testing through a licensed psychologist or through GMU.
Call 703-933-4200.GMU
Slide 21
Elementary and Middle School Full-Time Advanced Academic
Program Located in 27 Elementary schools and 12 middle schools
Forty-nine additional elementary schools offer Local Level IV
services. Differentiated curriculum and instruction for advanced
learners is provided in the four core subject areas: English,
Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science.
Slide 22
Best practices in identification Best practices indicate that
multiple measures and valid indicators from multiple sources must
be used to assess and serve gifted students. Information should be
gathered from multiple sources, in different ways and in different
contexts. NAGC, 1997 Best practices indicate that multiple measures
and valid indicators from multiple sources must be used to assess
and serve gifted students. Information should be gathered from
multiple sources, in different ways and in different contexts.
NAGC, 1997
Slide 23
The Middle School Honors Program Designed to meet the needs of
students with specific academic strengths in one or more of the
four core subject areas. Students experience an extended Program Of
Studies at greater levels of depth and complexity.
Slide 24
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP)
offers student-centered, holistic programs of international
education that support FCPS student achievement goals for
academics, essential life skills, and responsibility to the
community. The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) develops in grades
6-10 the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills they
need to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. FCPS
students may earn an FCPS MYP certificate for meeting the rigorous
requirements. 24
Slide 25
Individual, rigorous college-level courses in most subject
areas Widely accepted at American universities FCPS AP diploma
awarded to students taking at least 5 AP courses on which they
receive a 3 or better (out of 5) International perspective integral
part of program Full diploma includes IB courses in 6 subject
areas, extended essay, Theory of Knowledge class, and 150 extra-
curricular hours Individual IB courses are offered at standard or
higher levels may be taken Widely accepted for college credit
globally Advanced PlacementInternational Baccalaureate Thomas
Jefferson School for Science and Technology Specialized learning
environment for highly motivated students with a genuine interest
and ability in science, mathematics, and technology. Admission is
on a competitive basis. See website for more specific information
about the admission process.
Slide 26
Read, read, and read Although advanced programs are open to all
students, students who take these courses need to be motivated to
learn Study the first year of a world language and Algebra 1 before
9th grade (required by TJ, IB, and AP Calculus and AP World
Language) Determine first if your child is a candidate for an
advanced academic program and choose the program that is the best
for your individual student. Visit TJ in October of the 8 th grade
year.