Services for: Notre Dame Elementary School Chardon, Ohio 2009-2010 Mrs. Barbara Doering Principal

1. Goals: The Challenge Program aims to provide an environment that develops a student’s love of learning. The Autonomous Learner Model (ALM) developed by George Betts (Davis & Rimm 2004, p. 181) provides the best framework for the Challenge Program. It seeks to help students develop, *more positive self-concepts and an understanding of their own giftedness *social skills *their knowledge in a variety of subject areas *thinking skills, decision making and, problem solving skills, to enable them to become responsible, independent and creative learners. Topics: (Third, Fourth & Fifth) Problem solving Archeology – Devonian fossils Polymers Hands-on algebra Math/engineering individual project Akron’s Young Inventor Rubber Band Contest Greek mythology- mask making and research paper ____________________________ Davis, G.A., & Rimm, S.S. 2004.Education of the gifted and talented. Boston: Pearson Create Resources forParents: Center for Talent Development http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/learning/coursesap.html National Association of Gifted Children http://www.nagc.org/default.aspx Ohio Association of Gifted Children http://www.oagc.com/ Summer Activities: Students will be provided with a brochure outlining suggestions for camps that could provide summer enrichment. The brochure will be included with the January report. Contact Information: Gifted Resource Teacher: Mrs. Tracy Davis teadavis1@aol.com Assessment: Parents will receive 2 reports outlining student achievement at the end of January and May. Conferences can be scheduled with Mrs. Davis at any time to discuss your concerns or questions. Enrichment – The STEM Program: Classroom enrichment will also be offered throughout the school year. The focus will be Science, Technology, Engineering & Math. Gifted and Talented Parent Brochure Challenge Program Myths Services for: Notre Dame Elementary School Chardon, Ohio 2009-2010 Mrs. Barbara Doering Principal 440.279.1127

2. Definition “Gifted” refers to students who perform or show potential at remarkably high levels of accomplishments when compared to others of their age, experience or environments. (Ohio Revised Code, 3224.03) Identification Studentsare identified in two areas: 1) Superior Cognitive Ability (Grades 3, 4 & 5), 2) Specific Academic Ability (Grades 6, 7 & 8) Screening and Identification: Parents and teachers may recommend that a student be screened for the Challenge Program beginning at the end of second grade. All available data on the student will be used to determine if the student should continue with testing. All students regardless of cultural, linguistic, socio-economic status, disabilities or limited English proficiency will be included in the identification process. Identification cont’d: Superior Cognitive Ability: Students who are recommended for testing are given an individualized IQ test at the beginning of third grade. The test is administered by the school psychologist. Students who score at or above 127+ are identified. Those students who do not meet the criteria will have second opportunity to qualify based on the group test (Cog At test) administered in March. Students who receive a score at or above 127 will receive services in 4th or 5th grade. Specific Academic Ability: Students qualify for services based on IOWA Test of Basic skills, an achievement test that is administered each year. Students may qualify for language arts, math and science enrichment and must score at the 95th percentile or higher to receive services. Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development Students who would like to participate in the NUMATS test ( ACT or SAT) or Explore test are encouraged to do so. To be eligible, students must score in the 95th percentile or above in math or language arts. Please contact Mrs. Casey. Procedures Parental Permission; No student will be tested or receive pull-out services without the written consent of the parent or guardian. Transfer and Services A student transferring into the school will be screened at the request of the parent. Parents should contact the school principal. Withdrawal If a student wishes to withdraw from programs, the request should be written by the parent or child to the school principal. Things to know The Challenge Program is a new program offered for the first time in the 2009/2010 school year. New identification procedures are in place. If your student was in an enrichment program in a previous year, this does not automatically mean that he/she will qualify based on the new identification criteria. If a mistake has been made and you feel your child qualifies based on his/her scores, please contact Mrs. Davis. You should advocate for the best education for your child! Every effort will be made to meet all the students needs but services are offered as time permits.