Talent Development

• Every school has students within it who possess the highest potential for advanced-level learning, creative problem solving, and the motivation to pursue rigorous and rewarding work. Rather than merely being sources for the acquisition of information, schools can and should be places for developing the talents of all students. -Dr. Joseph Renzulli, Univ. of Connecticut

Mission Statement

• The Appoquinimink School District will nurture and expand the talents and abilities of all students by providing challenging programs and instructional opportunities that target individual learning styles, interests, and intelligences. Schools must provide instruction, services, activities, and guidance to cultivate the development of each child’s potential and talents.

Where we were...

When asked to describe previous practices in talent development…

One principal reported, “There is not a lot about academic development. It has been more about clubs such as boat safety, yoga, basketball coaching, etc.”

Where we are going...

Focus of Talent Development• Extend student learning beyond the

typical content• Develop 21st Century Learning Skills

– Learning and Innovation Skills– Information, media and technology skills– Life and career skills

Talent Development Program Supports

• Schoolwide Enrichment Model

• Afterschool Programs• Competitive team

events

Schoolwide Enrichment Model

• Talent Development in Grades 1 – 8 – Minimum 9-18 weeks of instruction with

focus on application of learned skills– Create a product, service or

performance– Differentiation is by indicated interest

Elementary Changes for 2012-13

• Alignment to core content area to provide rigor and extension of learning

• Expectation for writing as integral part for demonstrating learning

• More consistency across buildings– Drama– Lego/Robotics– Newspaper/Yearbook– Cultures

Middle School Changes for 2012-13

• Alignment to the four core content areas to increase rigor through application of learning.

• District menu of offerings across all school.• Increase student accountability with

grading students (O, S, U)• Increase participation in academically

aligned extra-curricular activities.• Establish building level waiver/request

process.

Common Middle School TD Offerings

ELA Math Science Social Studies

Other

Journalism Math League Environmental Investigations

Student Government

Odyssey of the Mind

Young Authors

Engineering & math of bridge building

Scientific Argument of Environmental Issues

Junior Achievement – Stock Market

Leadership Skills & Parliamentary Procedure

Spelling B – Focus on preparation for the National Spelling Bee.

Applied mathematics – Building a better Mouse Trap

CSI – The science used in the criminal investigation

Biography: Historical People in the World

Graphics: Desktop Design and Publishing

Drama Math 24 Robotics Model U.N. Music History

Science Olympiad

Contemporary Issues

Art Appreciation

Afterschool Programs

• Continuation of Enrichment programs managed at the school level:– Students competing continue to work

after school to prepare• Science Olympiad• Odyssey of the Mind• Model UN• Lego/Robotics

Research Support and Information for Talent Development

• NAGC – National Association for Gifted Children

• NAME – National Association for Multicultural Education

• The Davidson Institute• DE Gifted and Talented Task

Force

Not every child has an equal talent or an equal ability or equal motivation; but all children have the equal right to develop their talent, ability, and

motivation.

John F. Kennedy