Congratulations to all NUMATS participants! The SAT test is quite a challenge; I am happy to hear from many that the experience was a positive one. Test results should arrive by the end of March; stay tuned for information on the May Awards Ceremony for distinguished achievement on the exam.
It is never too early to start thinking about summer! Click here to learn of 2013 summer course offerings through the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University.
For information about the gifted program in brochure form, click
here.
Mission
The mission of the District 107 gifted program is to ensure the continuous academic, social and emotional growth of students Pre-K through 8 who possess distinct talents and gifts by providing curriculum differentiation in and out of the classroom.
Identification
Formal assessments are used to identify students who receive gifted services in grades 3-8. The identification process involves reviewing students’ assessment data, incorporating teacher recommendations as well as parental input, and compiling matrices to determine placement.
Delivery of Services
The district employs two full-time teachers of the gifted, one for elementary school and one for middle school. Teachers of the gifted are responsible for the following services:
· collect and analyze formal and informal student evaluative data for screening and identification. This includes students new to the district.
· work collaboratively with classroom teachers and provide materials to support curriculum differentiation.
· provide enrichment services for pre-K through grade 2.
· provide accelerated language arts curricula for high-ability learners in grades 3-8.
· maintain proactive, ongoing parent and community communication about programs and resources.
· conduct special events and programs.
Program Components
Acceleration
Students are appropriately placed and monitored in grades 2-8 in the areas of language arts and math. Students are flexibly grouped according to academic needs. Program components include:
o above level math classes in grades 2-8
o above level language arts classes in grades 3-8
o accelerated language arts units taught by gifted teacher in grades 5-8
Differentiation
Teachers of the gifted collaborate with classroom teachers to:
o develop classroom management strategies
o compact curriculum
o provide extension activities
o provide enrichment modules
Special Programs
Special enrichment programs are provided outside of the regular school day. Information is disseminated to parents and students on a regular basis.
Program Objectives
All students with distinct academic talents and gifts will:
o demonstrate significant academic and cognitive growth each year.
o apply learning tools and strategies to solve problems of increasing depth and complexity.
o develop and demonstrate a healthy self-concept and a passion for learning to maximize distinct talents and gifts.
Parameters
o We will always align our operational decisions based on our mission statement and objectives.
o We will always provide ongoing assessment of the program for the purpose of making improvements.
o We will always consider for inclusion in the program all students who demonstrate unique talents and gifts.
o We will not initiate any program without communicating with stakeholders, securing Board of Education approval, and obtaining adequate resources in advance.
Special Programs
Elementary School Spelling Bee is for all students in grades 1-4.
Worlds of Wisdom offers a hands-on learning approach in many areas of interest. Winter and summer programs for PreK-8 are available on-site through The Center for Gifted.
Math Competitions include interscholastic mathematics competitions involving the top middle school math students.
Camp Invention is a national program from the Inventors Hall of Fame and the US Patent Office held for 1 week each summer for all interested students entering grades 2-6.
Extracurricular clubs and activities are available throughout the school year. Parents
and students receive communication about these activities on a regular basis including the district website at www.d107.org.
Civic Weekend provides 7th and 8th grade students with service learning opportunities through Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development and the West Suburban Consortium for Educational Excellence.
Midwest Talent Search provides opportunities for grade 6-8 students to take the SAT test in a practice environment and is offered through Northwestern University and the West Suburban Consortium for Academic Excellence.
Scholastic Bowl is an academic quiz bowl for students in grades 5-8 to compete interscholastically with neighboring schools in all subject areas. The program is open to all interested students.