Middle School GRCWorking to challenge

and create

GRC in middle schoolGRC is taught through the

English/Language Arts class (ELA) in middle school. Students learn the same standards that all other 7th graders have to learn, but we learn the content in different ways. We also address the social and emotional needs of gifted students.

What does GIFTED look like in 7th grade?

Challenging texts (short stories, poetry, drama, novels)

Focus on social/emotional needs (addressed through reading selections, discussions, writing, drama, etc.)

Greater depth and complexityFlexibilityAdvanced reading strategies (SOAPStone, 5-S

strategy, Socratic Circles, etc.)Less drillMore critical and creative thinking skillsCertified Gifted Specialist with training to meet the

needs of Gifted Students

What goes on in class?Guided reading (through discussion &

analysis)Creative writing and problem solvingAnalytical writing and explanation of textsResearch-based interdisciplinary projects

(drama unit, poetry unit, novels, mythology unit, etc.)

Interactive lessons (using technology and flipped classroom)

Hands-on learning (creating, exploring things outside the classroom, etc.)

Higher Order Thinking SkillsGifted Literature classes ask students to go beyond the “regurgitation” of facts. Students learn to explain their thinking to analyze and evaluate. Students are asked to “cite textual evidence” as they analyze and evaluate.

Higher Order ThinkingWe go far beyond mere reading

comprehension.Students analyze, synthesize, and evaluate. Students will do at least one research

project, which includes a writing a formal research paper.

Many units are interdisciplinary and allow students to dig deeper and make new connections. We connect reading to Social Studies, Science, music, art, theater, math, technology, etc.

What are the BENEFITS of GRC?Ability to attend classes

with their intellectual peers

Ability to develop an awareness and appreciation for their gifts

Teachers who enrich or extend learning

Teachers who recognize and address their unique abilities and social-emotional needs

College and Career Readiness Standards

Like all seventh graders, gifted students are taught according to the state-adopted curriculum, which sets the goals and objectives for students to master.

A good teacher is like a coach…Always asking the student to• Stretch,• Try something new and different,• Try to do it better,• Faster, • More accurately,• In greater detail,• More creatively,• And to add polish.

Working outside their comfort zones…May be harder for the gifted than for

othersIs often a little uncomfortableIs sometimes a little frustratingIs sometimes very uncertain

That’s the purpose of having GRC classes.

“If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone,

then you are forced to expand your consciousness”. Les Brown

What you can do to help…Let us know about concerns that you would like

us to address, especially social/emotional needs. Share your expertise regarding your child.

Consider keeping track of homework assignments via your student’s agenda and the class blog.

Encourage your child to visit our classrooms for individual help in the mornings before school or during the 8th period advisory period.

Support the teacherAvoid negative talk, excuses, and/or blame.

Instead, help your child with their frustration.

Reading is a MUST!“No matter how busy you may think you are,

you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”

– Confucius

“We read to know we are not alone.”– C.S. Lewis

“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read.”

– Mark Twain

Gifted Education PlanConcepts – big ideas, topics

Essential Understandings – important things to know

Guiding Questions – what we ask to get us to what we know

Concept Based LearningContent fits within the context of a bigger idea or concept. Students will learn to generalize what they learn to other settings or content areas.

Learning occurs as students construct knowledge using guiding questions and as they apply knowledge to other areas of study through essential understandings.

CONCEPT for 7th Grade GRC

DECISIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

Shape Identityand

Create Perseverance

Essential Questions…How do life’s consequences influence the development of a person’s identity?

How is a person’s identity shaped by culture and circumstances?

How does identity determine the quality of a person’s character?

Who should be our role models?

Essential Understandings…Knowing and accepting our identity helps us have self-respect.

Our decisions reflect our identity and our character.

Identity can change over time.

Showing respect can have a ripple effect.

2nd semester Essential QuestionsHow do habits of perseverance affect our decisions?

How does perseverance demonstrate commitment and a positive attitude?

What struggles do we face when we attempt to persevere?

What are the rewards of perseverance?

2nd Semester Essential Understandings…Personal rewards come by persevering through adversity and hardship.

Making decisions requires living with the consequences.

Perseverance means making sacrifices.

FAQ•How is my child assessed? Formal assessment consists primarily of class work grades, homework grades, quizzes, projects, unit tests, and benchmark exams.

•How can I contact you? Email us at s2colley@shelbyed.k12.al.us or at dcline@shelbyed.k12.al.us.

•What if English is not my child’s greatest “gift”? This class is not simply an advanced or honors English class, and while the class might be somewhat challenging, we want to use English Language Arts as a point of departure for the higher order thinking skills that are useful in all subject areas. Students will also discover that reading is an essential skill in all levels of education and in all career choices. It is also a setting for nurturing the gifted students’ social/emotional needs.

Thank you for coming!Please sign the GEP in the lower

left cornerPut your child’s FULL LEGAL

NAME at the topKeep one copy of the GEP for your

records (copies are on green paper) Turn in original GEP (on white

paper)