2019-2022_family_brochure.pdf |
2019-2022_family_guide.pdf |
2018-2019_parent_presentation.pdf |
Third grade Explorers Information and AIG identification Gateway Flow Chart
Third Grade Identification Process
- .Cog AT is administered to all 3rd grade students in 1st semester
- Scores are returned to school; parent reports are sent home
- Iowa is administered to 3rd grade students with an 85%ile or higher on any CogAT subtest/composite or by teacher/parent request
- Scores are returned to school parent reports are sent home
- Classroom teacher may nominate students with a 95%ile score and SBCGE meets to make referrals
- AIG teacher sends home 1017 Prior Notice and Consent for Evaluation and parent checklist to only the students nominated and referred
- Additional data collection begins, including parent checklist, teacher checklist, additional individual assessments
gateway_graphic_2017.pdf |
3rd_grade_explorers.pdf |
3rd Grade Explorers
The WCPSS Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program includes a unique nurturing component, 3rd Grade Explorers. The AIG teacher works in partnership with 3rd grade teachers to provide a variety of in-class experiences designed to elicit high academic performance. Students who demonstrate potential in these activities will receive enrichment/extension activities in reading/language arts and/or mathematics under the guidance of the AIG teacher.
The WCPSS Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program includes a unique nurturing component, 3rd Grade Explorers. The AIG teacher works in partnership with 3rd grade teachers to provide a variety of in-class experiences designed to elicit high academic performance. Students who demonstrate potential in these activities will receive enrichment/extension activities in reading/language arts and/or mathematics under the guidance of the AIG teacher.
- Third Grade Explorers is a team effort between the AIG teacher and 3rd grade teachers in fall semester to assist in the identification process.
- Collaborative planning between the AIG teacher and the 3rd grade teachers should occur prior to in-class experiences.
- The AIG teacher and the 3rd grade classroom teachers collaborate to select two or three units of study to include reading/language arts, mathematics and critical thinking.
- During fall, the AIG teacher will lead Explorers introductory, whole-class demonstration lessons within the third grade classrooms for all students. Team teaching may occur on a short-term basis during the whole group demonstration lessons or units.
- Third grade students at magnet schools may participate in elective opportunities instead of Explorers.
- The classroom teacher observes and notes student responses using the suggested Observational Checklist. During the in-class demonstration lessons, the classroom teachers will document the observed high academic performance of students. These observations may also be used as informal indicators for AIG nomination and referral.
- The classroom teacher and the AIG teacher collaborate to assess student responses and products using an Observational Checklist to select students for further enrichment. Products and responses should reflect characteristics of highly capable students.
- Students who demonstrate high performance within the classroom may participate in small group enrichment activities during the second quarter, providing students an opportunity to develop and demonstrate gifted behaviors.
- Students participating in small group instruction first semester with the AIG teacher are not identified as AIG students. These groups are fluid and flexible. Some students may participate in one or more small group experience(s), while other students may not demonstrate a need for enrichment activities with the AIG teacher.
- Classroom follow-up center activities may be provided for whole class enrichment or small group differentiation as appropriate.
- The Cognitive Abilities Test (Cog AT) will be administered to all 3rd grade students and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be administered to some 3rd grade students during their 3rd grade school year.
- Student portfolios from 3rd Grade Explorers may be reviewed along with formal and informal indicators for possible AIG nomination and referral of 3rd grade students. During spring semester, the AIG teacher will begin formal services with identified third grade students.
Common Characteristics of Gifted Individuals
Because gifted children are so diverse, not all exhibit all characteristics all of the time. However, there are common characteristics that many gifted individuals share:
Because gifted children are so diverse, not all exhibit all characteristics all of the time. However, there are common characteristics that many gifted individuals share:
- Unusual alertness, even in infancy
- Rapid learner; puts thoughts together quickly
- Excellent memory
- Unusually large vocabulary and complex sentence structure for age
- Advanced comprehension of word nuances, metaphors and abstract ideas
- Enjoys solving problems, especially with numbers and puzzles
- Often self-taught reading and writing skills as preschooler
- Deep, intense feelings and reactions
- Highly sensitive
- Thinking is abstract, complex, logical, and insightful
- Idealism and sense of justice at early age
- Concern with social and political issues and injustices
- Longer attention span and intense concentration
- Preoccupied with own thoughts—daydreamer
- Learn basic skills quickly and with little practice
- Asks probing questions
- Wide range of interests (or extreme focus in one area)
- Highly developed curiosity
- Interest in experimenting and doing things differently
- Puts idea or things together that are not typical
- Keen and/or unusual sense of humor
- Desire to organize people/things through games or complex schemas
- Vivid imaginations (and imaginary playmates when in preschool)