1. Overview Marsha Boehner Gifted Specialist

2. 3 Primary Goals To become divergent creative thinkers who recognize problems and solve them. To construct personal meaning and understanding of others and of the world around them. To develop the capacity for self assessment.

3. Spectrum Students will demonstrate advanced skills in the following areas: Self-directed learning Critical and Creative Thinking Research in one or more disciplines Communication

4. Spectrum Students will demonstrate advanced skills through the development of innovative products and performances which reflect creativity, individuality and professional- level quality.

5. Spectrum The literature of the field consistently recommends conceptual curriculum models focusing on big questions, making connections and developing research and thinking skills. Emphasis is on quality not quantity.

6. Spectrum Emphasis on 21 st Century Skills: The ability to inquire, think critically and gain knowledge The ability to innovate and create. The ability to solve complex problems. The ability to communicate through multiple media. The ability to think globally. The ability to collaborate.

7. Rigorous learning experiences engage students in thinking and acting on content that matters in order to develop conceptual understanding and increase expertise in a discipline or field of practice. Meaning and interest based Focus on thinking processes Pose big questions Authentic assessment

8. Students will engage in independent research on specific content. Students will do independent research, write in appropriate formats to communicate what they are learning. All forms of independent research and learning will culminate in a product that effectively communicates.

9. Spectrum Thinking Critical thinking will be explored through conceptual thinking, generalizations and essential questions. Creative expression will be displayed through a variety of products that reflect innovative thinking based on research and content. Application and Analysis are thinking skills which will be evidenced through novel situations in light of knowledge, principles and generalizations.

10. Last day for gifted referrals March 16, 2012