Overview Kerry Flaherty Gifted Specialist Spectrum Overview Kerry Flaherty Gifted Specialist

A Spectrum Student…. Exhibits excitement/enthusiasm about the subject Possesses curiosity and wants more Likes to be challenged Demonstrates self motivation Takes appropriate risks Applies knowledge to new situations Questions what is happening. Tries to improve his/her work. Goes beyond expectation Works with others willingly and positively. Elaborates on ideas presented Respects the views and rights of other. Self Evaluates and sets goals Is prepared for class

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.

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

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

Spectrum Emphasis on 21st 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. Spectrum

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 Spectrum

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. 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. Spectrum

Year 1 – 6th & 7th Grades – Includes, but is not limited to…. Archeology Ecybermission Business Tanglers CML Word Masters Mystery

Year 2 – 6th & 7th Grades – Includes, but is not limited to…. Introduction to Computer Science ASL Ecybermission Project Business Tanglers CML Mystery Survivals (Desert and Cascade)

8th Grade – Includes, but is not limited to: Future City Engineering Design Ecybermission Ethics Rainbow Bay CML Perplexors Independent Study Socratic Seminar

Students as Scholars See themselves as ½ empty Ponder and think through ideas Are curious Consider multiple points of view Bring a willingness to participate Set goals for improving Practice Save ideas Build expertise

How Parents can Support Scholarly Attitudes Emphasize encouragement rather than pressure Encouragement emphasizes effort, perseverance, and the steps taken toward accomplishing a goal. Create a flexible, questioning atmosphere that allows the child to Discuss options Hear and consider other viewpoints Respectfully disagree Stand up for beliefs and choices

Outside Enrichment Opportunities Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth School Code:2017601 Thomas Jefferson High School for Math and Science Academy of Science Enrichment Summer Schools and Camp Activities Various math language arts and creative problem solving competitions

Points to Ponder Intelligence is not how much you know or how fast you learn, but how you behave when you don’t know the answer. So . . . if we want to develop children who think critically, we must present curricular problems, challenges, discrepancies or dilemmas for which the answers are not easily accessible.

Websites Loudoun County Public Schools http://cmsweb1.loudoun.k12.va.us National Organization for Gifted Children (NAGC) http://www.nagc.org Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAG) http://www.vagifted.org Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary http://www.wm.edu/education/gifted/html

Please keep in touch My email SMMS Main Office Number Kerry.Flaherty@LCPS.org http://www.lcps.org/Page/87291 SMMS Main Office Number (571) 252-2030 Please keep in touch