Education of the Gifted Maria Lawson-Davenport Local Plan Education of the Gifted Maria Lawson-Davenport Advanced Instruction Specialist August 18, 2016 Put your notes here

Mission Statement The mission of Suffolk Public Schools Gifted Program is to provide enrichment and instruction in grades kindergarten through grade 12 that develop, stimulate, and foster critical thinking, spark creativity, encourage problem solving, and develop independent research skills. This mission is achieved through the use of differentiation, in-depth learning in core areas, real-world problem solving and application, cooperative learning, and a focus on 21st Century skills. Suffolk Public Schools Gifted Program’s goal is to assist students in developing independent and collaborative learning skills, creative potential, and higher level thinking abilities in order to reach their full potential. Put your notes here

Major Components of 2016-2021 Plan Program of Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction Policies and Procedures for Access to Programs and Advanced Courses Personal and Professional Development Procedures for Annual Review of Effectiveness Procedures for the Establishment of the Local Advisory Committee Assurances

Major Components of 2016-2021 Plan Identify students as General Intellectual Ability in Grades K-12 Identify students in Visual & Performing Arts in Grades 9-12 Continue to have Gifted Resource Teachers to work with all teachers to provide advanced instruction Continue to focus on increasing the number of underrepresented populations in the gifted program

Major Components of 2016-2021 Plan Identify students as General Intellectual Ability in Grades K-12 Utilize a Talent Pool model for Grades K-2 Increase the use of GRTs as resources for all teachers Utilize new materials designed for gifted students Increase the professional development opportunities for GRTs Increase co-teaching models with GRTs and classroom teachers Update the eligibility process to include clear language about transfer students

Major Components of 2016-2021 Plan Identify students in Visual & Performing Arts in Grades 9-12 No longer identify students as gifted in Grades 4-5, Talented Music and Art will continue as an enrichment program Continue to partner with the Governor’s School for the Arts to identify students in VPA Provide assistance to Art and Music teachers in referring students to participate in the GSA program in Grade 8

Major Components of 2016-2021 Plan Continue to have Gifted Resource Teachers to work with all teachers to provide advanced instruction Encourage GRTs in Grades K-8 to plan weekly or bi-weekly with all grade levels Provide training in co-teaching model for GRTs and classroom teachers Provide additional gifted resources to GRTs for use with gifted students in the classroom Encourage the creation of extracurricular activities at the building to provide enrichment

Major Components of 2016-2021 Plan Continue to focus on increasing the number of underrepresented populations in the gifted program Provide PD on identifying underrepresented populations for buildings with low representation Update the eligibility process Utilize a comprehensive committee review Increase the resources available to teachers of students in K-2 to stimulate the natural abilities of students prior to 2nd Grade screening

Other Changes to 2016-2021 Plan Provide language and process for acceleration of students using national best practices Adjust the appeals procedure to provide a two-step process for review and appeal Increase the vertical alignment of materials and instruction for all levels K-12