arlington public schools gifted services wakefield high school wendy maitland, resource teacher for...

Arlington Public Schools Gifted Services

Wakefield High School

Wendy Maitland, Resource Teacher for the Gifted

wendy.maitland@apsva.us

Agenda

Part 1: Gifted Services and Resources Part 2: Gifted Identification

Professional Responsibilities

Promote differentiation strategies in the classroom

Provide enrichment and supplemental resources for teachers and students

Inform staff about gifted education training opportunities

Facilitate the identification process

COLLABORATION

FOR

EFFECTIVE DIFFERENTIATION

Classroom Teacher

Resource Teacher for Gifted

Student

Instruction

Classroom Environment

Professional Responsibilities

Planning and Preparation

County/State Enrichment Programs: PRIME

Summer Residential Governor’s School Programs

Fine Arts Apprentice Program

Superintendent’s Seminar

Virginia Space Coast Scholars

Independent Study

Dual Enrollment

Wakefield Gifted Services

School-based Extension Activities

It’s Academic • Daniel Alpert

French Honor Society• Kathryn Wheelock

National Honor Society• Michelle Harris

Newspaper• Amy Wathan

Math League Team• Daniel Alpert

Spanish Honor Society• Sra. Magaly Reder

World Affairs (formerly Model UN)• Denis Babichenko

VJAS (VA Junior Academy of Sciences)

• Jessica Baker

Role of Parent – SupportingDifferentiation for Student

Resources for Parents: Parent Resource Center Materials - 703-228-7239 National Association for Gifted - www.nagc.org Virginia Association for Gifted - www.vagifted.org Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted - www.sengifted.org 2e Newsletter – http://www.2enewsletter.com

Support your child’s interest to pursue social and cultural opportunities within and beyond his/her strength area(s)

Maintain communication with your child’s classroom teachers, RTG, and counselor to monitor social and academic progress

Parent Resources

Further information about APS Gifted Services is located on the APS website

www.apsva.usClick on Curriculum and InstructionClick on ProgramsClick on Gifted Services

Cohort & UMG Co-Sponsor Support over 120 minority boys in the Cohort

program Support over 50 minority girls in the United Minority

Girls (UMG) group Advise, support, monitor, and routinely meet with

students on a daily basis. Advocate for students when needed

College

Trip

Part II

Virginia Gifted Regulations

Virginia Department of Education regulations state that each school district must develop a plan to identify and provide services to those students who have learning needs beyond the regular instructional program.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/gifted_ed/index.shtml

Arlington Public Schools

Identify students who require gifted services

Train teachers in ways to provide services

Establish continuous educational services to match the needs of gifted learners

Support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of gifted students

Gifted Services Identification

Specific Academic Aptitude (Grades K-12)EnglishMathematicsScienceSocial Studies

Visual or Performing Arts (Grades 3-12)Visual ArtVocal MusicInstrumental Music (instruments taught in APS)

Screening for Gifted Services

Each year, the total population is screened by school staff to create a pool on candidates based on students’ need for gifted services

Screening is formal-review of testing information

Screening is informal-teacher feedback, parent information, honors, awards, student population in school events, competitions, etc.

Referrals for Gifted Services Students may be referred for services by their

classroom teacher, school personnel, parents/guardians, community leaders, and self or other students until April 1st of the current school year

Identification decisions are sent to parents or guardians by letter within 10 school days of the Identification Committee meeting

Referral forms can be found here:http://www.apsva.us/page/1846

Eligibility Criteria

Gifted Services in Specific Academic AreasNational Named Testing Information

○ Ability testing○ Achievement testing

Teacher checklistSchool-based DataParent InformationWork Samples

Eligibility Criteria

Visual Arts or Vocal/Instrumental Music Areas (Grades 3-12)Art and Music Teacher Referral: Observations of

Artistic BehaviorsStudent ProductsGradesParent Information

Appeals Process

An Appeal is available to families following the eligibility processAppeals begin at the school level with the

principalA second level of appeal is countywide Gifted

Services Administrative Appeals Committee (must be submitted within 30 days of the school level committee decision)

Contact Information

Wendy Maitland, Resource Teacher for the Gifted

Email: Wendy.Maitland@apsva.us

Phone: (703) 228-6743

Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor of Gifted Services

Email: cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us

Phone: (703) 228-6160

Gifted Services Advisory Committee (GSAC)

Arlington Public School’s Parent Advocacy Group

Part of Advisory Council of Instruction Monthly meetings If interested in serving on this committee,

please contact Cheryl McCullough (Supervisor, Gifted Services) cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us

Questions and Exit Cards

On each table you will find index cards that can be used if you have any specific questions.

Please write the question, your name, your child’s name and your contact information as well as the best time for me to contact you

STUDENT PANEL DISCUSSION

How did you apply/become involved in the program?

When was the program held and for how long– i.e. residential for a month, weekly, throughout the school year, etc.?

What was the schedule for a typical day / meeting?

What were/are some of the highlights of your experience?

What do you think parents and students should know about this program before they apply or decide to participate in it?