Gifted and Talented Education (GaTE)
|
Chelsea Cekutis |
Amanda Robson GaTE Strategist FMS and FHS robsona@rsu5.org |
Henri Moser GaTE Strategist DCS moserh@rsu5.org |
Academic Program Philosophy
RSU5 recognizes the special abilities and talents of gifted students that allow them to excel beyond their peers and perform at exceptional levels. Therefore, we will encourage, nurture, and provide for them in a manner that will develop their unique capabilities. Services will be based on a variety of instructional strategies. Individual needs will be met through flexible, challenging, and creative learning opportunities. The program will engage identified students in services designed to support their unique academic, social and emotional needs. The program philosophy complements the overall system philosophy, which strives to provide students with an education that will challenge minds, engage creativity, develop self-discipline, and advance inherent strengths..
Academic Identification
Screening:
All students in grades 3 and 5 are screened using a universal screening form completed by classroom teachers and NWEA MAP assessment data. Select students then participate in CogAT testing to provide an additional data point. The selection evaluation team will review all of the data to make a determination. A student being identified as needing gifted services typically has standardized test scores in the 98th percentile or higher, CogAT scores of 135 or higher, and strong teacher recommendations. Based on the data and recommendations/referrals, a student may be identified in a specific subject area, or generally identified across all subjects. GaTE students who are identified at the end of grade 3 will be formally re-screened at the end of fifth grade.
Placement:
If a student qualifies for services, GaTE teachers will work with classroom teachers to determine the level and area(s) of need. If a child meets most of the criteria, but not all, the selection evaluation team may place the student on a high ability watch list. Watchlist students are monitored closely by the GaTE teacher and may participate in enrichment services as needed.
Academic Services
Services for students in GaTE will look different for each level and for individual students according to academic and social-emotional needs.
Grade K-2:
Students at the primary level have their needs met primarily through consultation, however there may be some pull-out groups as needed. GaTE teachers also provide resources, materials, and lessons that are purposeful yet related to the classroom units of study.
Grades 3-5:
Students at the elementary level will receive services from the GaTE teachers in the form of push-in lessons and/or pull-out groups. Services are provided in the student’s identified area(s) of need.
Grades 6-8:
Students at the middle school level have the above services, as well as the opportunity to take advanced courses in math, and participate in ELA extension projects.
Grades 9-12:
Students at the high school are on a consultation basis. Students may opt to meet with the GaTE teacher to discuss course selection, other outside opportunities, and ways to advocate for their education. The GaTE teacher is available for appointments via email. The GaTE teacher also consults with guidance counselors to monitor student programming.
Arts Program Philosophy
The Arts program educates, informs, and involves students and the school community in meaningful, child-centered experiences that develop artistic behaviors, critical thinking, creative thinking, and production. Individual needs will be met through flexible, challenging, and creative learning opportunities. As with academics, GaTE arts services are designed for 3-5% of the student population across both art and music.
GaTE Music
In RSU5, we provide a myriad of opportunities for gifted and advanced musicians. Because of the wide variety of options available (vocal, instrumental, composition, ensemble, soloist, music theory/composition, etc.), we screen students separately for each individual advanced opportunity, as opposed to identifying students as “gifted” across the board in music. Advanced opportunities and enrichment may include participation in music festivals, solo opportunities, advanced instruction within band lessons, small vocal or instrumental ensembles, work with a guest musician, advanced music theory and/or composition coursework, etc.
Participation in these activities will be determined by the music teacher, using criteria that best matches the skills necessary to participate in the offering. This may include, but is not limited to, auditions, teacher recommendations, standardized music assessment results such as the Gordon Audiation test, or other screening criteria. Communication about advanced music opportunities will come from the music teacher, not the GaTE teacher.
GaTE Art
We employ a range of tools and methods to identify GaTE art students, including teacher recommendations, artistic screening projects, the Torrance Test of Creativity, and samples of student work. A district-wide committee of art teachers reviews this information to recommend students for identification.
Services for GaTE art students are tailored to their grade level and individual artistic and developmental needs. Identified students will receive support through consultation and differentiated instruction within the regular classroom. Art teachers will design classrooms that are enriched, challenging, and differentiated to meet the needs of artistically gifted students. Additionally, opportunities for enrichment activities will be provided.
Process for Appeals:
After determinations have been made, any student or parent can appeal the decision of the evaluation committee. Parents can initiate the appeals process by emailing the assistant superintendent.
Process for Transfer Students:
All new students entering RSU5 schools who have previously been identified as GaTE will have their file reviewed by the GaTE teacher at their school. Determinations about identification and/or further testing will be made on a case by case basis.