Gifted Accelerated Program Fayette County Public Schools

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1 Gifted Accelerated Program Fayette County Public Schools *Gifted and Talented Learning & Innovation Specialists: Deena Jones, Julie Gann & Leah Ellis

2 Gifted Accelerated Program Overview The Gifted Accelerated Program begins in 3 rd grade and continues through 8 th grade. This program is made up of self-contained classes of students who have all been identified in the areas of general intellectual, math and reading. Curriculum for this program is based upon differentiation of the Common Core National Standards which is accelerated and enriched through appropriate content, process and products. Endorsed Gifted Teachers provide students the opportunity for rich and diverse learning experiences which meet their unique needs, abilities and interests. The Gifted Accelerated Program is housed in three of our elementary schools and two of our middle schools. School placement in the elementary and middle school program is districted upon the home address of the student. Students in this program will be formally identified according to state gifted regulation in the areas of reading, math and general intellectual ability.

3 Gifted Accelerated Program Benefits Differentiation experiences with the Common Core Standards including acceleration and extension activities which meet student s unique needs. Faster- paced instruction in all subjects. Enrichment and research experiences with in-depth investigations and learning projects. High level problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills imbedded throughout curriculum. Students learn how to deal with time management, study skills and a more difficult curriculum. Students find connections with like-minded peers to form close friendships within their interest areas and hobbies.

4 Eligibility and Offers for the Gifted Accelerated Program Every Fayette County student will be annually screened for an equal opportunity to enter this program. No application is needed. The District Gifted Office will review the MAP test results for every student in grades 2-7 for program offers for the school year. This is due to the fact that Fayette County will be beginning a brand new assessment system for the school year, so all windows of the MAP results will be utilized for the program offers. Students will have the opportunity for general intellectual reassessment if they have obtained the qualifying reading and math MAP scores. All 3rd Graders will take the Otis- Lennon School Ability Test in the fall. Other grades may also have the opportunity for general intellectual testing in the fall if they have qualifying MAP scores. The District Office runs records of student s general intellectual test data, as well as student s MAP scores. If students receive qualifying scores in reading, math and general intellectual, they will be placed in a rank order for the Accelerated Program. Offers for this program will come via from the District Gifted Office in February. Private School and Home School Applicants must apply on-line during the application period in the fall. Once the application period is over, the District Gifted Office will schedule testing with all applicants. The District Gifted Office will automatically screen all students who are enrolled in the Fayette County Schools. Please contact the district office if you are a new student to Fayette County for the school year and we will work with you to check your children's records and offer possible testing opportunities.

5 Qualifying Scores and Areas General Intellectual/Reading/Math Students placed in the Accelerated Program are formally identified according to the state gifted regulation in the areas of General Intellectual, Reading and Math. Upon attainment of qualifying scores, two additional pieces of evidence must be collected to complete the identification and placement. Qualifications include: General Intellectual Area: Mental Ability Test with a minimum score of 96% ( 9 th stanine) (Otis- Lennon or Cognitive Abilities Test) Reading and Math Areas: Nationally Normed Achievement test with a minimum score of 96% ( 9 th stanine) in reading and math. ( MAP Test) For MAP tests, students must obtain one score between 96% to 99% in both reading and in math and students must have at least one supporting score of an 89% or higher in both reading and in math from the most current MAP windows. All 3 rd graders in Fayette County are given a general intellectual test in the fall which is conducted at their home schools within their classrooms. Testing will take place in October. All 2 nd through 7 th graders in Fayette County who obtain the qualifying MAP scores in reading and math will have the opportunity to take a general intellectual ability test. Qualifying scores for general intellectual tests may be used for three years.

6 Accelerated Curriculum: Reading and Language Arts * The curriculum for this content is based upon differentiation of the Common Core Standards in English and Language Arts and encompasses critical thinking skills using novel studies, literature units, special curriculum, projects and/or Junior Great Books. * Students will be involved in curriculum and studies which provide challenging vocabulary, writing experiences, and indepth literary and figurative core elements. The Junior Great Books Program consists of vocabulary rich, diverse short stories which allow for an interpretive analysis using a shared inquiry method. This same questioning and inquiry approach can be utilized with any challenging literature study.

7 Science and Social Studies *The science and social studies content is based upon differentiation of the Common Core Standards, and gives students the opportunity to develop interest level and specific content based in-depth projects and units. *Students will experience a variety of enrichment options within the content and learn at a deeper and more complex level. (i.e. hands-on labs, independent projects, research and independent investigations).

8 Math The math content is based upon differentiation of the Common Core Standards integrating acceleration techniques and enrichment. Content will include above grade level skills, problem solving and critical thinking strategies. Depending on the grade level, students will be using a variety of curriculum including Math in Focus and other research based accelerated content and publications (i.e.. Prufrock Press, The Critical Thinking Company, national math contests etc.).

9 Program Placement Continuation *The Gifted Accelerated Program is a continuation program. Students will receive a continuing notification yearly. In 6 th grade, students will continue into one of our two middle school Accelerated Program sites located at Winburn Middle and Tates Creek Middle. The program site placement is based upon the student s home address. Students have the choice to exit the program at the end of any year. *Students in the 8 th grade Accelerated Program,will receive an Intent to Continue form as an option to continue in the Liberal Arts Academy at Henry Clay High School. Students may also apply for in other available high school options in Fayette County,

10 Thank you so much for your interest in the Gifted Accelerated Program in Fayette County Public Schools!