Connections

Mission for District 107 Gifted Program

The mission of the District 107 Gifted Program is to assure 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.

Overview of First Steps of Action Plans

  1.  Identification of students
    1. Create a matrix to identify PreK-8 students gifted in the areas of ability, creativity, and task commitment using both qualitative and quantitative measures.
    2. The committee wanted to make sure that we had a clear set of criteria for selecting students for the gifted program that included test results, teacher observations, and parent evaluations. This has been developed and is beginning to be used.
  2. Grade 5-8 Program
    1. Organize gifted students at each grade level and design appropriately balanced push-in and pull-out services based upon individual needs and developmental level at grades 5-8 so that achievement is maximized.
    2. The needs of gifted students in mathematics will continue to be met through the accelerated math class, which will utilize a differentiated curriculum as needed. Students will be assigned, depending upon student needs, to a particular science, social studies class and to above level language arts classes.
    3. The gifted teacher will meet regularly with the above level language arts teachers and the science and social studies teachers as time permits, to co-plan curriculum, thus assuring that differentiation for student needs will occur. He will also co-teach with the accelerated language arts teachers for at least three days per week for one period each day. The Connections classes will meet for concentrated units of study as a pull-out of the above level language arts classes. Twice per year this class will meet five days per week for three weeks of the double period language arts class. The curriculum will be directly related to the classroom and grades for this period will be provided by the gifted teacher.
  3. Curriculum Differentiation
    1. Differentiate the district curriculum so that it promotes continuous academic, social, and emotional growth for the students who possess distinct talents and gifts.
    2. The goal of the activity is to assure that students are challenged appropriately in all of their classes and not simply in a pull-out program. Curriculum committees will revise the district curriculum to include activities, materials and strategies to help manage a classroom of diverse needs. The gifted teacher will supply resources and strategies to implement this goal. Systems for tracking progress will also be developed.

Parent Resources

GT World
GT World is an on-line support community for parents of Gifted and Talented children. Others interested in supporting and nurturing gifted and talented children are also welcome.

The Center for Talent Development
The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University has a wealth of information and programs for gifted students. This website not only describes their various programs, but also directs you to other interesting links.

The National Association for Gifted Children
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is an organization of parents, educators, other professionals and 
community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences. 

Thanks for reading!

Larry Neumann, Gifted Teacher, Grades 5-8
E-mail your reactions to Mr. Neumann

                                                                               (updated 03/10/10)