Go confidently in the directions of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined . …Thoreau

1. Go confidently in the directions of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.…Thoreau Welcome to the GT Orientation! ***Materials in this Powerpoint are used with the permission of Ms. Debra Breazzano, District 38 Gifted and Talented Facilitator

2. GT Program Design: Student Directed at High School

3. GT Students: Very Diverse Students can be gifted in one or more areas. D11 identifies 3 areas of giftedness: 1. verbal (language arts) 2. quantitative (math/science) 3. non-verbal (visual/spatial)

4. Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) for all GT students: • A written individualized STUDENT-DIRECTED educational plan mandated by Colorado Dept. of Education: • Goals and options for student success and optimal learning outlined • College and career plans addressed • Strategies designed to work through academic and personal/social challenge • Complete your ALP online. Instructions will be made available to students. • Student Consultations will be scheduled during the school day.

5. Twice-Exceptional Students • Demonstrate extraordinary abilities in one or more areas and have mild to severe disabilities • Have been identified as gifted AND also have a 504 or IEP • 2X Support through collaboration of GT with other case managers and interventionists

6. The GT student who has unique needs • Underachieving Gifted Students: Demonstrate a significant discrepancy or gap between their exceptional intellectual or creative ability and their actual performance in school.

7. ACADEMIC PLANNING • Your high school transcript matters! • Course selection and GPA are important all four years of high school • As a Junior, ACT and SAT scores will also be critical for college admissions

8. BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND… • GT programming focuses on post-graduate planning starting with you, the freshman class, NOT to take away from enjoying the present reality as a new high school student, but to ensure that you can accomplish your goals that can lead to realizing your dreams.

9. Design your four-year academic plan now! • Reference the course handbook and look at what is offered • Each year this will be revised but it provides a whole picture look to ensure your academic needs/preferences are addressed

10. Minimum College Entrance Academic Requirements for the Class of 2017 As per CCHE to be admitted to Public College or University: • 4 years of English • 4 years of Math – Algebra I or higher • 3 years of Natural Science – 2 must be laboratory courses • 3 years of Social Studies – 1 must be US History or World Civilization • 1 year of Foreign language • 2 years of Academic Electives **Check with prospective colleges. Requirements vary depending on the institution and intended major.

11. Selective or “Ivy” College Academic Requirements: Rigor demonstrated in all core subjects with electives supporting student interests…no free periods! Did the student challenge themselves? Demonstration of student challenge is even more important than GPA!(MIT Educational Consultant) • Honors Classes • AP Classes • IB Curriculum • Concurrent Enrollment • Specific Coursework required by the College you are applying to (reference the college’s website even now!)

12. Differentiation – key to successwhen building your resume FOUR KEY AREAS (for Selective College Admissions*) • Excellence/Expertise: Focused on something enough to excel at it • Leadership: Demonstrate examples of leadership by the student • Community Service/Volunteerism: Civic responsibility; reach beyond themselves • Passion/Vision: Demonstrate passion about something; true joyfulness (FOR USAFA and other Military Academies: Excellence in Academics, Athletics, Leadership, and Character)

13. Enrichment Matters! • Find something you’re passionate about and get involved. Keep a record of your activities. • Our high schools provide many of the services and resources you need! Take advantage. • Many projects/activities can be completed during the summer in order to keep your life less stressful.

14. A variety of contests, competitions, and extracurricular activities available throughout District 11. Refer to your high school and D-11 website throughout the year! Extracurricular

15. Preparation, Focus, and Passion = Success! Regardless of what postsecondary plan you have, this formula works for any life endeavor

16. Scholarships and Financial Awards • Available for all high school grades • Reference GT and Counseling websites for links • A student, who ended up having her entire college funded by scholarships, began organizing a spreadsheet during her freshman year. Ask your GT facilitator for more information if you are interested.

17. PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS The Boettcher Scholarship as the “Bar”: • 40 are awarded each year covering full tuition, fees, living expenses and books at any Colorado University • Must be from Colorado and rank in approximately the top 5% of the class with outstanding SAT/ACT scores as a minimum criteria • Eligible applicants are assessed based on: • Evidence of leadership and involvement • Service to community and school • Superior scholastic ability • Outstanding character

18. How you can optimize your learning! • Balance academics with personal/social needs • Time-Management (pace yourself) • Self-Advocacy (ask for what you need) • Relaxation (have fun, and get enough sleep) • Sense of Humor (laughter is balm for the soul)

19. GT Facilitator as YOUR RESOURCE! Contact your gifted resource teacher with any questions or concerns! Coronado: Mrs. Schulzki Doherty: Mrs. Keller Mitchell: Ms. Gibbs Palmer: Mr. Chamberlin Wasson Campus: Mrs. Pustizzi CIVA: Mrs. Burwell