Gifted and Talented Parent Information Night Presented by The Gifted and Talented Department Leslie Martinez (K-4)- lmartinez@spboe.org Jillian Tortora (5-8)- jtortora@spboe.org Supervisor- Colleen Dalrymple

Tonight’s Program What it means to be gifted Identifying gifted learners South Plainfield’s G & T program Parent Resources Questions

Our views of intelligence have broadened, becoming more inclusive Definitions of Gifted Most of the 1900’s: Intelligence was viewed through exclusive, narrow measures, such as an IQ score 1980’s-today: Our views of intelligence have broadened, becoming more inclusive Gardner (8 forms of intelligence) Renzulli (Three Ring Concept)

Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner

Three-Ring Concept of Giftedness Joseph Renzulli

N.J. Definition of Giftedness “Those students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability, in one or more content areas, when compared to their chronological peers in the local district and who require modification of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities.”

The Difference Between a Gifted Child and a Bright Child Knows the answers Is interested Is attentive Has good ideas Works hard Answers the questions Top group Listens with interest Learns with ease Enjoys peers Completes assignments Copies accurately Enjoys school Absorbs information Good memorizer Is alert Is pleased with own learning A Gifted Learner Asks the questions Is HIGHLY curious Is mentally & physically involved Has wild, silly ideas Plays around, yet tests well Discusses in detail, elaborates Beyond the group Shows strong feelings & opinions Already knows Prefers adults Initiates projects Creates a new design Enjoys learning Manipulates information Good Guesser Is keenly observant Is highly self-critical

Gifted & Talented Criteria Teacher Recommendation Standardized Test Scores NJASK → PARCC 2015 Report Card Grades District Benchmark Assessments Performance Based Assessments Classroom observations

Elementary Program K-4 S.E.E.D.S. Successful Enrichment & Educational Development of Students Planting S.E.E.D.S. for the 21st Century

S.E.E.D.S. Students will participate in Project-Based Learning (PBL) Students will be pulled from their regular classrooms one day per week. K – 1st grades: 30-45 minutes once per week 2nd- 4th grades: 60 minutes once per week Two Cycles Cycle 1: English Language Arts and Digital Communication Cycle 2: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Grades 5-8 Students will participate in Project-Based Learning (PBL) Students will be pulled from their regular classrooms one day per week. 5-6 grades: 80 minutes once per week 7-8 grades: 90 minutes once per week Two Cycles Cycle 1: English Language Arts and Digital Communication Cycle 2: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Project-Based Learning Project-Based Learning (PBL) is learning through the process of completing a project over a period of time. The projects are complex tasks based on challenging questions or problems, that involve students in design, problem-solving, decision making, or investigative activities; give students the opportunity to work relatively autonomously over extended periods of time; and culminate in realistic products or presentations. (Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students, Todd Stanley, 2012) Studies have shown that gifted students learned more and retained content more accurately when allowed to work on projects where they were setting the pace, teaching each other through projects and working together to solve problems. (Stanley, 2012) According the Buck Institute for Education (2011), PBL can increase academic achievement on standardized assessment tests, teach the core subjects more effectively, and help students to master 21st century skills such as communication, independent and critical thinking, and research.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How are gifted students challenged in their classes? A: Throughdifferentiated instruction, flexible grouping, balanced literacy, centers, and collaboration between the classroom teacher and GT teacher to provide extension projects. Examples: Math League contest, Poetry contest, Bullying Awareness week, Geo-Jam (Geography Bee), Spelling Bee, Science Fairs, Junior Journalist, Mother's Day essay contest, LAMP, Chorus/Instrumental lessons. Q: What websites can gifted students visit for further enrichment? A: The district has purchased websites such as IXL (3-8) and Core Clicks (K-5). Please visit the GT site for additional suggested websites. Q: What do they miss during GT class? A: We try to pull them from social studies and science when possible. Students are responsible for making up work they miss in those classes. Q: What is the GT curriculum? A: All curriculum is aligned with the Common Core and uses a Project-Based Learning approach and integrated digital communication. Visit our website for grade specific units. Q: How are they assessed? A: Students are assessed using multiple measures. Most assessments are informal and include journal entries in response to reading, class discussion and participation, preparation, and final product completion using a scoring rubric.

Project Gallery

Final Thoughts “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” ~Plutarch, Greek Historian and Biographer “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” ~Margaret Meade, American Anthropologist “Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.” ~Nelson Mandela, South African Politician

Guest Speakers Needed Guest speakers are invited to share their expertise on a related topic that will be covered in class. If you or someone you know is interested in presenting, please sign up and a Gifted and Talented teacher will contact you.