 Gifted and Talented Programming
Philosophy Statement
The School District of Brown Deer is committed to making sure each student has the opportunity to be challenged. We believe that the education of all children should be directed toward the maximum development of the individual. In order to meet maximum potential, some students benefit from additional services and programming aside from the standard grade level educational program. Therefore, it is considered essential to have a systematic and continuous program to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented children. Since giftedness may occur in a variety of areas, such a program should be multi-dimensional, involving five recognized areas in gifted and talented education: Intellectual, Academic, Creative, Artistic, and Leadership. While the primary focus for gifted education within the School District of Brown Deer is academic, students are exposed to high levels of excellence in the remaining areas of gifted education. Cognitive and affective experiences will be combined to further the development of the whole child in an attempt to foster not only the intellectual abilities and study skills, but leadership and social responsibility as well.
Program Model
Grades K-5
Students will be officially identified within these grade levels. The Gifted and Talented Coordinator will provide support in the following ways for these grade levels:
● Collaborate with the grade level teachers to plan more challenging assignments in the subject area of need
● Provide materials and projects for students to complete if they finish grade level assignments quickly
● Meet with students in small groups to provide advanced instruction in reading or math based on classroom performance and teacher recommendations
● Offer contests and clubs for enrichment
In the spring, the MAPS data of students in second through fifth grade will be reviewed. Students who scored in the 90th percentile in reading and/or math for at least three testing sessions will be added to a talent pool for further testing. Staff, parents, and students may also submit nominations. Upon completion of testing, students who qualify will be assigned a tier for services. The options include:
● Clustering
● In-Class Differentiation
● Subject-Specific Enrichment
● Independent Study
● Subject-Specific Acceleration
● Whole Grade Level Acceleration
● Project-Based Learning
● Whole School Extracurricular Enrichment Opportunities
Grades 6-8
The Gifted and Talented Coordinator will work with Brown Deer Middle School administration and teachers to provide the following supports to identified students:
● Clustering
● In-Class Differentiation
● Subject-Specific Enrichment
● Independent Study
● Subject-Specific Acceleration
● Whole Grade Level Acceleration
● Project-Based Learning
● Whole School Extracurricular Enrichment Opportunities
Grades 9-12
The Gifted and Talented Coordinator will work with Brown Deer High School administration and teachers to ensure students are placed in appropriately challenging courses and provide opportunities for enrichment.
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