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A Presentation to CC-GAGC

January 23, 2006Lynn Hamblett and Vicki Skywark

Advanced Learning Programs in Cobb County Schools:Gifted Education

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Mission of ALP:

To develop the academic potential of students

To prepare students for advanced learning opportunities

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Effort-Success Ratio

In a differentiated classroom, our goal is to find just the right balance between success and effort for ALL children. Students who consistently fail lose their motivation to learn. Students who succeed too easily also lose their motivation to learn and are at risk for falling victim to the twin threats of lethargy and perfectionism.

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ALP at all levels is designed to:

Foster independent learning and self-discipline

Emphasize higher-order thinking, problem solving, and communication skills

Encourage motivation and interest

Allow for creative application of ideas

Model and encourage scholastic dialogue

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Elementary Programs

Gifted resource classes “Target”

Interdisciplinary enrichment one day per week

Talent development program, either pull-out or push-in

Guidelines for above-grade acceleration options

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“Target” Resource Classes

Only identified gifted students may be served

Interdisciplinary enrichment, supplementary to core curriculum

One day per week replaces all but Specials

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Target Day

Activities to developLogical thinking

Creativity

Support and extension of Georgia Performance Standards

Unit study: 2-3 per year

Incorporates research and technology

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Target Expectations

Homework

Long-term Projects

Target report card/tallies are teacher’s method of communicating to you

“Good is not good enough when better is expected.”

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Expectations/Goals

Risk-taking

Critical thinking

Self-directed learning

Creative-productive thinking

Stick-to-it-ness

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Talent Development

Gifted education specialists work with groups of high-potential students to develop talents and skills relevant to future academic successSpecialists may pull students out of regular class to attend a “Target”-like program, or they may push in to regular class to work with smaller groups

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Acceleration

Schools are given guidance on research-based practices regarding student advancement in a single subject or a whole grade beyond their age-peers

Schools use the Iowa Acceleration Scale

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Elementary Continuation Criteria

Must meet 14 0f 20 indicators on the Target Progress Report

Must maintain satisfactory performance, defined as

E and/or G in grades K-3 in the core subjects of reading, English, and mathematics, O and/or S in science or social studies.A minimum average of 80 in grades 4-5 in the core subjects of reading, English, mathematics, science, and social studies.

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Advanced Content Courses

Grade 6 – based on grade 5 ITBS scores, with qualifying score currently set at 80th %ile or higher on the relevant subject area test

Language ArtsScienceSocial Studies

Grades 7 & 8 – placement opportunities based on additional criteriaGrade 8 – Foreign Language placements guided by FL SupervisorMath placements are guided by Math Supervisor

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Format of AC Courses

Meets daily for one period, or the weekly equivalent

Students may be served in multiple areas as appropriate

Includes non-gifted students who meet the criteria

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AC Curriculum

Differentiated core curriculum

Focuses on a single subject

Interdisciplinary connections

Requires significant use of primary data and/or documents

Incorporates research and technology

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AC Student Performance

Routine completion of challenging out-of-class independent assignmentsComprehensive interdisciplinary assignmentsMeasured by analysis, evaluation, and application on a final examContinuation requires an average of 80 or better in the class

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ElementaryMiddleHigh

The transition from a process-product oriented program to a content-based program is gradualStudent expectations escalate from level to levelTransition points are critical

Into gifted program5 68 9

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Continued Eligibility for Gifted Services

Probation

Discontinuation of services

Re-entry

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Questions?

Mrs. Lynn Hamblett, Grades K-5

Dr. Vicki Skywark, Grades 6-12

770.426.3324