1. McKinney isd GT Elementary Program 2009 - 2010 McKinney ISD exists to provide an excellent education for all.

2. Agenda 1. Clustering & Team Teaching 2. 4 th and 5 th Grade Programs 3. Depth and Complexity 5. Q & A 4. Report Cards

3. Clustering Diversity – Academically gifted students are able to interact with other gifted students, including those with different cultures, experiences, and learning styles. Diversity – Academically gifted students are able to interact with other gifted students, including those with different cultures, experiences, and learning styles. Team Teaching – Instructors work purposefully and cooperatively, sharing insights to enhance the students’ academic development. Team Teaching – Instructors work purposefully and cooperatively, sharing insights to enhance the students’ academic development.

4. 4 th and 5 th 2 Day Pull-Out Alpha Olympics William & Mary ELAR & SS MathScience

5. English Language Arts/ Social Studies 4 th –5 th

6. In the ALPHA Olympics, your children will be competing on teams. They will be a part of an intense competition in which everything you they can earn points for their team.

7. Two Types of Olympic Points “A” Points “B” Points

8. How To Earn “A” Points (Examples) Answer and ask questions with depth and reflective thought Add value to class discussions Show tremendous effort and perseverance Produce amazing products Always complete your homework Be the best student you can be

9. How To Earn “B” Points (Examples) Show care and respect through your actions Assist fellow classmates when in need Help keep our rooms and school clean Listen to the teachers and follow directions immediately Be the best person you can be

11. First Place Second Place Third Place

12. English Language Arts/ Social Studies 4 th –5 th

13. Language Riddle What two homophones could complete this riddle? When you are solely responsible for repaying the debt, it is a...................... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ lone loan

14. English Language Arts Poetry Analyze and Discuss Poetry and Poets Create original poems Word Study Latin and Greek Word Roots Analyze and Represent Vocabulary Words Literary Analysis / Novel Study In-depth study of various genres based on College of William and Mary models

15. Social Studies Experience in-depth study of social systems throughout history Native Americans Early Colonies-New Nation The Republic of Texas The Industrial Revolution Present-Day America Analysis using Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity and Paul’s Elements of Reasoning Create new colony based on social systems analysis

16. Full integration of grade level writing TEKS and filmmaking Create professional quality films using required real-world techniques Develop content-based projects using core subject concepts and creativity Incorporate the writing process, music to enhance mood, lighting, cinematography, and visual effects Analyze and evaluate films based on critical components of filmmaking ALPHA Film Academy

17. Mathematical? What might you get if you find the circumference of an Inuit? Eskimo Pi

18. 4 th & 5 th Grade Mathematics Strategies and Techniques to Streamline Problem-Solving Exploratory Math Olympiad Problem- Solving with Sharing Sessions Algebraic Reasoning Contributions of Mathematicians Critical Thinking and Questioning Extensions in Math Related to Concepts Within and Above the Grade Level(s)

19. Mathematics Homework 20 – 30 minute limit depending on assignment parameters Exceeding time limit requires parent signature Homework is extremely important for enabling students to participate in class discussions

20. Which element would solve this riddle? The meeting tonight is for men and women; therefore, it is not necessary for _______________________. a.Cobaltc. Helium b.Einsteiniumd. Mendeleevium

21. Chemistry-related scientific investigations following Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity thinking processes The methods, processes, and tools of scientists will be applied during an inquiry-based chemical spill simulation Contributions of chemists that have impacted and are impacting history Critical thinking and questioning during ALPHA instruction and general education reviews Science

22. Depth Know and use the language of the discipline. Use details to elaborate in the discipline. Details are very specific, not general. Look for patterns of recurring elements (identify, predict, generalize). Look for trends or forces that shape a body of knowledge. (literature, history, prior knowledge

23. Identify the unanswered questions about issues/concerns in the discipline. Identify and explain the rules or how information/events are organized in the discipline. Be sensitive to the ethical considerations in the problem/issue/discipline. (‘tug-of-war’ or conflict needing resolution). Look at big ideas that can be supported by the evidence from a body of knowledge, including facts, rules, trends, patterns, etc.. Depth

24. Complexity Look at ideas/information over time. (Past-Present-Future) Look at ideas/information from different points-of- view. (interdisciplinary) Look for connections among/between ideas/information (different subjects)

25. Alpha Report Card ALPHA report cards will be sent home each nine weeks. Based on: concepts covered in the Alpha classroom. goals and objectives specifically designed for gifted learners. the evidence of development and application of enduring understandings.

26. What is a 4? Proficient with grade-level skills. Consistently demonstrates exemplary understanding using depth and complexity. Demonstrates application of skills in a variety of complex situations. Works independently after initial instruction.

27. What is a 3?  Demonstrates proficient understanding of grade-level skills.  Applies skills independently by the conclusion of the grading period. There may be ups and downs as new concepts are learned.  Applies and demonstrates elements of depth and complexity with increasing frequency. Needs some teacher direction.

28. “There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal children.” ~ S. Fennell

29. Questions?

30. Thank you so much for joining us! We appreciate your support for your child and education. -The Elementary ALPHA Team -The Elementary ALPHA Team