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Slide 2 W hat educators and psychologists recognize as giftednessis really potential giftedness which denotes promise rather than fulfillment probabilities rather than certainties. Much (depends) on (the) match between a childs talents and the kinds of nurturance provided. Slide 3 One size does not fit all. What is best for your child? Slide 4 Slide 5 but how you behave when you dont know the answer. Slide 6 Slide 7 Children who have been identified for advanced academic services have the potential to achieve high levels of accomplishment, and this potential needs to be recognized and addressed. In order to meet their needs and develop their abilities, these high ability learners require a differentiated curriculum that provides advanced learning opportunities. Slide 8 A student in grades K through 12 who demonstrate high performance ability or academic potential and who have a cognitive, physical, behavioral, or emotional disability that requires accommodations in order for their potential to be realized. Twice Exceptional Learners (2e): Who Are They? Slide 9 Critical and Creative Thinking Strategies Grades K-6 Level I Services All children learn to think, reason, and problem- solve through nine strategies that challenge students to use and apply knowledge in new and different ways. Lessons that develop critical and creative thinking skills are used by teachers with all students in K-6 classrooms. Slide 10 Slide 11 Flexible Instructional Groupings Mathematics Competitions Odyssey of the Mind Concept-based Instruction (e.g., change/perspective/systems) Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Higher order questioning Chess Club Philosophers Club Additional Possibilities for Level I Slide 12 Differentiated instruction is provided through more challenging content, assignments, resources, and flexible groupings in one or more areas of academic strength. Advanced Academic Resource Teachers plan, collaborate, and share ideas and resources with classroom teachers and other specialists. Slide 13 Literacy Clubs Hands-on-Equations Future Problem-solving Library of Congress (LOC) Advanced Problem-solving Group investigations Junior Great Books Socratic Seminar The Great Debate Possibilities for Level II Slide 14 Debonos Thinking Hats Cubing Interactive Notebooks RAFT Creative Problem Solving Think-Tac-Toe Jigsaw SCAMPER Synectics Questioning Slide 15 Students work directly with the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher to receive enrichment and extensions to curriculum and instruction. The Advanced Academic Resource Teacher plans and collaborates with the classroom teachers and other teachers who work with the students e.g., ESOL and special education. Direct services may take the form of the AART co-teaching a with the classroom teacher with flexible instructional groups within the classroom or pull-out groups. Slide 16 Slide 17 Young Scholars A Model for Success All Levels K-12 Slide 18 All students are evaluated for Advanced Academic Programs school-based services using multiple sources of information. Local school Advanced Academic Programs screening committee determines eligibility for school-based services (Level II K-6; Level III - Grades 3-6) Parents/guardians may initiate a referral Slide 19 The full-time advanced academic program is differentiated in depth, breadth, and pace of instruction. It provides an appropriate level of challenge for highly gifted learners with a strong emphasis on critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving. The mathematics curriculum is accelerated by one grade level and readings and resources that are used in other subject areas are also presented at advanced levels. Students have opportunities for ongoing opportunities for reflection and self-assessment. Slide 20 Ability test scores - Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) -FCPS Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) Custom Form, Grade 2 - Cognitive Ability Test, Grades 3-6 Achievement Test Scores - Standards of Learning (SOL) scores Gifted Behavior Rating Scale (GBRS) Progress Reports Additional Information - record of previous Advanced Academic services received - work samples, certificates, and/or awards (8 x 11) - Parent Questionnaire (for level IV referrals) Slide 21 Grade 2 Screening pool is established using the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) from 1 st grade and the FCPS Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) Custom Form, Grade 2. Parents of students in the second grade screening pool receive a letter notifying them that their child will be screened for the full-time advanced academic program. Parents may decline screening. Grades 2 7 Parents may submit full-time advanced academic program referrals for 2 nd grade students not in the pool, and students in grades 3-7. Screening file is prepared by the local school Advanced Academic Programs screening committee and submitted to central selection committee. Eligibility decisions made by the central selection committee, and reviewed by an oversight committee. Parent/guardian(s) are notified by mail regarding eligibility. Slide 22 All 1 st /2 nd grade students, and students in grades 3-6 who are missing ability test scores, are tested during the fall testing cycle. *First graders will take the NNAT. *Second graders will take the FCPS Cognitive Ability Test, Custom Form, Grade 2 Scores from the 1 st grade NNAT and FCPS Cognitive Ability Test, Custom Form, Grade 2 are considered for the 2 nd grade pool. All other Level IV screening files are generated by referral. There is no advantage to having a file initiated by pool vs. referral. Fall Testing Windows: FCPS Cognitive Ability Test, Custom Form, Grade 2 and CogAT (grades 3-6) October 15-25, 2013 Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) November 18-22, 2013 Retesting is done by request Spring testing is only for FCPS students enrolled after the fall testing cycle and referred for advanced academic services. A parent/guardian may seek private testing through a licensed psychologist or through GMU. Call 703-933-4200.GMU Slide 23 Located in 27 Elementary schools and 12 middle schools Forty-two additional elementary schools offer Local Level IV services. Differentiated curriculum and instruction for advanced learners is provided in the four core subject areas: English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. Slide 24 Best practices indicate that multiple measures and valid indicators from multiple sources must be used to assess and serve gifted students. Information should be gathered from multiple sources, in different ways and in different contexts NAGC, 1997 Best practices indicate that multiple measures and valid indicators from multiple sources must be used to assess and serve gifted students. Information should be gathered from multiple sources, in different ways and in different contexts NAGC, 1997 Slide 25 Steps 1 through 8 Step 1 -- pool or referral Referral deadline for fall screening is October 25, 2013 for students new to the county. Referral deadline is for any students grades 2-7 is Feb. 3, 2014. Step 1 -- pool or referral Referral deadline for fall screening is October 25, 2013 for students new to the county. Referral deadline is for any students grades 2-7 is Feb. 3, 2014. Slide 26 Step 2 February Required and optional information Step 2 February Required and optional information FEBMAR APR MAY JUN JUL Slide 27 Step 3 -- February or March Local screening committees Step 3 -- February or March Local screening committees FEBMAR APR MAY JUN JUL Slide 28 Step 4 -- March or April Central selection committees Step 4 -- March or April Central selection committees FEBMAR APR MAY JUN JUL Slide 29 Step 5 April Oversight committee reviews ineligible decisions Step 5 April Oversight committee reviews ineligible decisions FEBMAR APR MAY JUN JUL Slide 30 Step 6 May Parent notification and Level IV center orientations Step 6 May Parent notification and Level IV center orientations FEBMAR APR MAY JUN JUL Slide 31 Step 7 -- (optional) May Appeals must be submitted by May 30th Step 7 -- (optional) May Appeals must be submitted by May 30th FEBMAR APR MAYJUL JUN Slide 32 Step 8 July Appeals committee decisions are mailed Step 8 July Appeals committee decisions are mailed FEBMAR APR MAY JUN JUL Slide 33 The Middle School Honors Program Designed to meet the needs of students with specific academic strengths in one or more of the four core subject areas. Students experience an extended Program Of Studies at greater levels of depth and complexity. Slide 34 The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) offers student-centered, holistic programs of international education that support FCPS student achievement goals for academics, essential life skills, and responsibility to the community. The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) develops in grades 6-10 the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills they need to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. FCPS students may earn an FCPS MYP certificate for meeting the rigorous requirements. 34 Slide 35 Individual, rigorous college-level courses in most subject areas Widely accepted at American universities FCPS AP diploma awarded to students taking at least 5 AP courses on which they receive a 3 or better (out of 5) International perspective integral part of program Full diploma includes IB courses in 6 subject areas, extended essay, Theory of Knowledge class, and 150 extra-curricular hours Individual IB courses are offered at standard or higher levels may be taken Widely accepted for college credit globally Advanced PlacementInternational Baccalaureate Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology Specialized learning environment for highly motivated students with a genuine interest and ability in science, mathematics, and technology. Admission is on a competitive basis. See website for more specific information about the admission process. Slide 36 The IB program provides a comprehensive rigorous education emphasizing analytical thinking, reading and writing skills with an international perspective. Students may choose to pursue the IB diploma or take individual certificates in IB courses. International Baccalaureate IB Honors classes are available in all middle and high schools and are open to all students who seek academic rigor. Honors classes are available in the four core academic subject areas and use a curriculum that extends the POS in depth and complexity. Honors The AP program provides rigorous academic college level coursework in the major subject fields. Individual AP classes are designed to emulate introductory college courses. Advanced Placement AP Slide 37 TJHSST provides and innovative, specialized learning environment for highly motivated students who have a genuine interest in biological, physical, mathematical, and computer sciences. Designated as the Governors Regional School in Northern Virginia, TJHSST offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with additional required courses in science, mathematics, and technology. Slide 38 Read, read, and read Although advanced programs are open to all students, students who take these courses need to be motivated to learn Study the first year of a world language and Algebra 1 before 9th grade (required by TJ, IB, and AP Calculus and AP World Language) Determine first if your child is a candidate for an advanced academic program and choose the program that is the best for your individual student. Visit TJ in October of the 8 th grade year. Slide 39 www.fcps.edu/IS/aap