Welcome to Target! Mr. Bill McAllister

Meet Your Target Teacher ▪ Mr. Bill McAllister ▪ 3 rd Grade ▪ 5 th Grade ▪ 17 th year in Cobb County ▪ 8 th year in Gifted Services

Our Mission To prepare gifted students for an ever-changing global marketplace where innovation is key and where they must be self- reflective, goal-oriented problem-seekers and solvers

Can both of these groups of equations be true? ▪ = 9 ▪ = 11 ▪ = 10 ▪ = 12 ▪ = 8 ▪ = 1 ▪ = 3 ▪ = 5 ▪ = 4

The Mindset for the Gifted Program ▪ Ted Talk Ted Talk

Our Target Classroom ▪ OK to take risks and make mistakes! ▪ Self-directed learners ▪ Active Listening ▪ Engaged participants *WE SUPPORT & ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER*

Our Target Classroom

Gifted Programming Objectives ▪ STEM ▪ Communication through writing and speaking ▪ Advanced Research ▪ Social Responsibility outside of the classroom ▪ Technology Requirement (multi- media presentations, digital tools) ▪ Advanced Algebraic Reasoning ▪ All of these things are taught through THEMES ▪ UNITS are a thing of the past!

How We Get There Concrete Abstract Simple Complex Product Process Fewer FacetsMulti Faceted More Structured More Open Guided Facilitated I am interested in HOW your child thinks, not just whether or not he/she can get the correct answer.

The ALP Program is process-driven. Our ultimate goal is for students to meet the standards. The content and activities help us reach these goals.

▪ In standards-based instruction and assessment: – Standards provide the what. – Instruction provides the how. – Assessments are used to determine the student level of mastery. The Core of Quality Instruction

Gifted Standards

Instructional Focus - 3 rd Grade 3 rd Grade (1 st Semester) Algebraic Reasoning – Hands on Equations (Level 1) STEM – “Geronimo” [Parachute Exploration] Affective Growth – VIA Character Traits Critical Thinking – Logic Puzzles, Creativity Activities Relationships & Connections – Genius HourGenius Hour

Instructional Focus - 5 th Grade 5 th Grade (1 st Semester) Algebraic Reasoning – Hands on Equations (Level 3) STEM – Coding and Programming with LEGO NXT Robotics Affective Growth – Long Term Goal Setting Critical Thinking – Logic Puzzles, Creativity Activities Relationships & Connections – Genius Hour & Green City ChallengeGenius Hour

Typical Target Day ▪ Cognitive Growth (Convergent/Divergent/Evaluative) – Problem Solving – Logic Puzzles – Brain Teasers – Pre-Algebraic/Algebraic Reasoning – Creative Thinking (FFOE) – Inquiry ▪ CCGPS Extension – Research – Connections – Debate – Discussions – Products – Technology Integration

Typical Target Day ▪ Affective Growth – Goal Setting – Self & Peer Reflection – Collaboration with other students – Communication with others – Respectful members of the community – Self-directed learners

▪ Performance Based ▪ Selected Response ▪ Constructed Response ▪ Informal How are assessments gathered in Target?

Target Progress Report Aligns with the Gifted Standards The expectations increase in complexity across grade levels Administered quarterly Grades NOT on Synergy

Assessment Indicators (S) Successful: When a student consistently and independently demonstrates outcomes supporting grade-level standards and elements. (P) Progressing: When a student demonstrates outcomes supporting grade-level standards and elements with support. (D) Does not Meet: When a student has limited progress in demonstration of outcomes supporting grade-level standards and elements.

IMPORTANT!! ▪ I am reporting your child’s progress at the standards, NOT grading your child in Target. ▪ Progressing is NOT equivalent to a “C” ▪ P’s and S’s mean that your child is being successful in Target

Schedule ▪ One full day a week 8:00-1:50 ▪ Lunch – 3 rd 11:14-11:44 – 5 TH 12:03-12:33 – Specials with homeroom class.

Expectations ▪ Advanced Level Projects ▪ Above & Beyond ▪ Homework ▪ Task Commitment ▪ Accountability ▪ Role Models ▪ Come to class each week prepared (NO Backpack) – Agenda, Target binder, pencil, paper, lunch/money, snack, book – Binder organized

Prevailing Practices Gifted students are not expected to make up missed regular classroom work or homework on scheduled Target day Target homework permitted on Target day Students are responsible for missed work due to absence Appointments on Target days  Review EAGLE Update and agenda daily

▪ Continuation Criteria – Located at the bottom of the progress report ▪ Probation - When a student does not meet continuation criteria, he/she will be placed on probation (18 weeks minimum) with strategies implemented to help them become successful. Probation/Removal/Re-entry

Home/School Communication EAGLE Update in Agenda – behavior (BEST-please place child’s name in subject line) Blogs Conferences Phone calls

Recognizing Good Behavior: My Whole School ▪ Students earn points for good behavior ▪ Accumulate points to earn an Excellent Eagles hat and pins ▪ Coming Soon: Login to your student’s account to see their progress

Teacher “Wish List” ▪ Individually Wrapped Candies ▪ Playground Equipment/Balls ▪ Plastic Baggies – Sandwich, gallon, and/or snack sizes

Questions