Alexandra Wappel Resource Teacher for the Gifted Barcroft Elementary School September 24, 2013

1. Alexandra Wappel Resource Teacher for the Gifted Barcroft Elementary School September 24, 2013

2. Agenda • Part 1: Gifted Services and Resources • Part 2: Gifted Identification

3. Questions and Exit Cards • On each table you will find index cards that can be used if you have any specific questions. • Please write the question, your name, your child’s name and your contact information as well as the best time for me to contact you

4. Professional Responsibilities • Promote differentiation strategies in the classroom • Provide enrichment and supplemental resources for teachers • Model instructional strategies • Inform staff about gifted education training opportunities • Facilitate the identification process

5. Professional Learning Communities Four Key Questions Focus Us on Learning #1 What is it we expect our students to learn? #2 How will we know when they have learned it? #3 How will we provide time and support when they don’t learn it? #4 How will we expand learning when they already know it or learn it quickly?

6. Cluster Grouping • Students in grades 1-5 have been clustered into classrooms with intellectual peers • RTG plans with and supports the classroom teachers with extension activities and projects for those students who have already mastered grade level content • Support may look different in the various grade levels depending on teacher and student needs

7. Classroom Support Kindergarten Classrooms • Attend weekly PLC meetings • Model critical and creative thinking strategies in classes on a rotating basis • Provide resources and differentiation support

8. Classroom Support First Grade • Attend weekly PLC meetings • Planning with cluster teacher • Small group reading support for identified students • Weekly co-teaching in cluster classroom for math • Model Critical and Creative Thinking Skills in all classrooms (to begin in quarter 2) on a rotating basis

9. Classroom Support Second Grade • Attend weekly PLC meetings • Planning with cluster teachers • Literature/Reading Support for identified students • Weekly co-teaching in cluster classrooms for math • Model Critical and Creative Thinking Skills in all classrooms (begin in quarter 2) on a rotating basis

10. Classroom Support Third Grade • Attend weekly PLC meetings • Planning with cluster teachers • Literature/Reading support for identified students • Weekly Co-teaching in cluster classrooms for math • Model Critical and Creative thinking strategies in all classrooms (begin in quarter 2) on a rotating basis

11. Classroom Support Fourth Grade • Attend weekly PLC meetings • Planning with cluster teachers • Literature/Reading support for identified students • Weekly Co-teaching in cluster classrooms for math • Model critical thinking activities during morning meeting for non-cluster classrooms

12. Classroom Support Fifth Grade • Attend weekly PLC meetings • Identify resources and plan with cluster teachers • Reading: Small group support for identified students • Math: Co-teaching in class with identified students

13. Curriculum Examples • Gifted Literature Units • William and Mary Literature Units • Project M2 and Project M3 • AIMS Activities • Best of the Continental Math League • Project Clarion Units • Social Studies Alive!

14. Critical Thinking Skills

15. Core Curriculum Lead Teachers

16. Communication Differentiated Student Progress Form • Quarterly report to parents in report cards in grades 1-5 for identified students • The form documents differentiated instructional strategies and extensions • Replaces the Differentiation Instruction Planning Form

17. Parent Resources • Further information about APS Gifted Services is located on the APS website • www.apsva.us • Click on Curriculum and Instruction • Click on Programs • Click on Gifted Services

18. Contact Information Alexandra Wappel, Resource Teacher for the Gifted Email: alexandra.wappel@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-5838 Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor of Gifted Services Email: cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-6160

19. Part 2:Gifted Identification Process

20. Virginia Gifted Regulations • Virginia Department of Education regulations state that each school district must develop a plan to identify and provide services to those students who have learning needs beyond the regular instructional program. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/gifted_ed/index.shtml

21. Arlington Public Schools • Identify students who require gifted services • Train teachers in ways to provide services • Establish continuous educational services to match the needs of gifted learners • Support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of gifted students

22. Gifted Services Identification • Specific Academic Aptitude (Grades K-12) • English • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies • Visual or Performing Arts (Grades 3-12) • Visual Art • Vocal Music • Instrumental Music (instruments taught in APS)

23. Screening for Gifted Services • Each year, the total population is screened by school staff to create a pool on candidates based on students’ need for gifted services • Screening is formal-review of testing information • All grade 2 students will take the Naglieri Ability Test (NNAT-2) • All grade 4 students will take the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) • All other referred students will receive an ability test if they not in grades 2 or 4 • Screening is informal-teacher feedback, parent information, honors, awards, student population in school events, competitions, etc.

24. Referrals for Gifted Services • Students may be referred for services by their classroom teacher, school personnel, parents/guardians, community leaders, and self or other students until April 1st of the current school year • Identification decisions are sent to parents or guardians by letter within 10 school days of the Identification Committee meeting • Referral forms can be found here: • http://www.apsva.us/page/1846

25. Eligibility Criteria • Gifted Services in Specific Academic Areas • National Named Testing Information • Ability testing • Achievement testing • Teacher checklist • School-based Data • Parent Information • Work Samples

26. Eligibility Criteria • Visual Arts or Vocal/Instrumental Music Areas (Grades 3-12) • Art and Music Teacher Referral: Observations of Artistic Behaviors • Student Products • Grades • Parent Information

27. Appeals Process • An Appeal is available to families following the eligibility process • Appeals begin at the school level with the principal • A second level of appeal is countywide Gifted Services Administrative Appeals Committee (must be submitted within 30 days of the school level committee decision)

28. Contact Information Alexandra Wappel, Resource Teacher for the Gifted Email: alexandra.wappel@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-5838 Cheryl McCullough, Supervisor of Gifted Services Email: cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us Phone: (703) 228-6160