1. Overview Kerry Flaherty Gifted Specialist
Spectrum
Overview
Kerry Flaherty
Gifted Specialist

2. 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. 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.

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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)

13. 8th Grade – Includes, but is not limited to:
Future City
Engineering Design
Ecybermission
Ethics
Rainbow Bay
CML
Perplexors
Independent Study
Socratic Seminar

14. 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

15. 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

16. Outside Enrichment Opportunities
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
School Code:
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

17. 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.

18. Websites Loudoun County Public Schools
National Organization for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAG)
Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary

19. Please keep in touch My email SMMS Main Office Number
SMMS Main Office Number
(571)
Please keep in touch