ADVANCED ACADEMICS PROGRAM

Transcription

1 ADVANCED ACADEMICS PROGRAM Expect-Achieve-Excel LA FERIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

2 Table of Contents Board of Trustees..3 District Contacts 4 Philosophy & Goals...5 District Coordinator... 6 Advanced Placement Program... 6 Advanced Placement Exam..7 Advanced Placement & Pre-Advanced Placement Offerings.7-8 Dual Enrollment.8-9 Gifted & Talented Program Characteristics of Gifted/Talented Student.. 10 Student Assessment.. 11 Identification Procedures Assessment Instruments Service Design Curriculum and Instruction Professional Development Family and Community Involvement..17 Furlough Procedures Exit Procedures Transfer Procedures Appeal Procedures Program Diagram

3 Board of Trustees The La Feria ISD Board of Trustees has primary responsibility for ensuring that the district or school complies with all applicable requirements of state educational programs (TEC 7.028) President Juan Briones Vice-President Alan Moore Secretary-Treasurer Gloria Casas Member David Bazaldua Member Pancho Cobarrubias Member Javier Loredo Member Lalo Sosa 3

4 District Contacts Mr. Raymundo P. Villarreal Superintendent 203 East Oleander Street (956) Mrs. Cynthia Torres Assist. Superintendent of Instruction and Personnel 203 East Oleander Street (956) Mrs. Cathy Hernandez Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction 400 S. West St. (956) Dr. Esequiel Garcia Jr. District Advanced Academics Coordinator 400 S. West St. (956) Gifted and Talented Campus Contacts Ada Xitumul W. B. Green Jr. High School (7-8) 501 N. Canal St. (956) Ermelinda Cavazos La Feria High School (9-12) 901 N. Canal St. (956) Stacy Cantu C. E. Vail Elementary Grades (3-4) 209 W. Jessamine St. (956) Marivel Guajardo Noemi Dominguez Elementary Grades (5-6) 600 Pancho Maples Dr. (956) Leonarda García David G. Sánchez Elementary Grades (1-2) 1601 S. Main St. (956) Tracy Ocanas Sam Houston Elementary Grades (EC-K) 500 N. Beddoes Rd. (956)

5 Advanced Academics Program Philosophy La Feria ISD is committed to the philosophy that all children can learn and is dedicated to meeting the needs of all its students through an educational program of quality, equity and accountability, in compliance with all federal, state and local requirements. Our District s motto is EXPECT ACHIEVE EXCEL. La Feria ISD also recognizes that children learn in different ways, at various rates, and at different levels of mastery and acknowledges that these children are found in all races, ethnic origins and in all socioeconomic levels. La Feria ISD accepts the challenge to find and identify those children who require a more challenging, stimulating, and rigorous curriculum beyond that which is available in the regular school program and to provide them with the opportunity within the Advanced Academics Program to develop to the fullest of their intellectual ability. Goals To develop student behaviors and skills necessary for becoming productive citizens and lifelong learners who interact effectively with peers, community, and society. To develop critical, creative, and evaluative thinking processes that lead students to produce advanced level products. To develop self-directed learners with appreciation for their own abilities as well as those of others. To develop an array of learning opportunities in the four core academic areas and when possible out-of-school options relevant to the student s area of strength. To develop a challenging curriculum of differentiated instruction with depth and complexity. To develop a program that involves the community in the education of gifted students. To develop a flexible program allowing students to learn at the pace and level appropriate for their abilities and skills. 5

6 District Coordinator The Advanced Academics Coordinator for LFISD is responsible for implementing philosophy, program goals, and placement criteria for LFISD. The Advanced Academics Coordinator is responsible for developing and monitoring the gifted and talented services and assisting principals, campus coordinators and teachers in implementing the program, and conducting program evaluations to remain in compliance with state and local guidelines. The Advanced Academic Coordinator does not have placement authority for students. Campus Selection Committees and Appeal Committees have authority for making placement decisions regarding the gifted and talented program. Advanced Placement Program La Feria I. S. D. participates in the College Board s National Advanced Placement (AP) program. The College Board s AP Program enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Many AP courses are offered at La Feria High School and students who enroll and complete an AP course are encouraged to take the AP examination in May. Based on their performance, students can earn credit, advanced placement, or both, for college. Most United States colleges and universities, and colleges and universities in 21 countries, have an AP policy granting incoming students credits, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP examination grades. La Feria Independent School District also offers Pre-Advanced Placement (PAP) courses at W. B. Green Junior High in the four content areas of English, math, science, and social studies and Pre-Advanced Placement (PAP) 6 th grade science at Noemi Dominguez Elementary. Pre- AP courses enable students to build skills and understanding they need for success in AP courses. Advantages of the Advanced Placement Program AP prepares students to succeed in college. Students save no college tuition. Graduate early from college. The credits students earn for their AP achievements enable many students to pursue a double major, to study abroad, or to undertake a combined bachelor s and master s program. Students who participate in AP are ultimately given the responsibility to reason, analyze, and understand for themselves. 6

7 Advanced Placement Exam Each May, students who take AP courses have the opportunity to take the equivalent AP exam for their subject area(s). The AP exam grade is a weighted combination of the student s score on the multiple-choice section and on the free-response section. The final grade is reported on a 5- point scale. Students who earn AP exam grades of 3 or above are generally considered to be qualified to receive college credit and/or placement into advanced courses; however, each college or university determines the awarding of credit and placement and it is the student s responsibility to check individual institutions regarding policies. Advanced Placement and Pre-Advanced Placement Offerings. Noemi Dominguez Elementary (Grade 6): 6 th Grade Pre-AP Science W. B. Green Junior High School (Grades 7-8) 7 th Grade Pre-AP English Language Arts Pre-AP 7 th Grade Math Pre-AP Science Pre-AP Social Studies (Texas History) 8 th Grade Pre-AP English Language Arts Pre-AP Algebra 1 Pre-AP Science Pre-AP Social Studies (U.S. History) AP Spanish La Feria High School (Grades 9-12) English Language Arts Mathematics Pre-AP English I Pre-AP English II AP Language Arts & Composition III AP Language Arts & Composition IV Pre-AP Algebra I Pre-AP Geometry Pre-AP Algebra II Pre-AP Pre-Calculus AP Calculus AB, AP Statistics 7

8 La Feria High School (cont d) Science Social Studies Spanish Fine Arts Pre-AP Biology AP Biology Pre-AP Chemistry AP Chemistry Pre-AP Physics AP Physics I, AP Physics II Pre-AP World History Pre-AP Geography AP U.S. History AP European History AP U.S. Government AP Economics Pre-AP Spanish II AP Spanish III, AP Spanish IV AP Art IV Design (and other courses as approved by campus and district administration) Dual Enrollment Program Dual Enrollment is a program in which a high school student enrolls in a college course and receives simultaneous academic credit for the course from both the college and high school. Dual Enrollment courses may be transferred to all public colleges/universities in the state of Texas. All students enrolled in the Dual Enrollment Program will be considered college student and all college/university academic policies will apply. Dual Enrollment courses taught at La Feria High School by an approved LFISD instructor are AP level courses and grades earned in these AP level Dual Enrollment foundation curricular courses will be calculated in the student s grade point average (GPA). 8

9 Students must meet with their high school counselor or high school Dual Enrollment representative to determine eligibility. Students planning to participate in a Dual Enrollment Program must meet High School eligibility criteria as well as University/College requirements: Graduate Foundation Plus Endorsement or Distinguished Level of Achievement Plan 80 or better overall average in high school core subjects (80 or better in subject area for which enrollment is sought) Meet 90% attendance requirement Meet University and College enrollment criteria to take college level courses. APPROVED ACADEMIC COURSES: TSTC/UTB COURSES CREDIT LFHS COURSES CREDIT COMP I & II 1301/ ENGLISH IV 1 MATH ALGEBRA 1 MATH PRE/AP CALCULUS 1 BIOL BIOLOGY 1 GOVT AMERICAN GOVT. 1/2 HIST 1301/ U.S. HISTORY 1 La Feria High School will hold a Fall Orientation for first semester Junior enrollees and a Spring Orientation for first time Sophomore enrollees. A Dual Enrollment Night will also be offered at the high school for all interested parents and students. 9

10 Gifted and Talented Program A gifted and talented child/student is one who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative or artistic area, possesses an unusual capacity for leadership, or excels in a specific academic field (TEC ). Characteristics of Gifted & Talented Learners Bright Child Gifted & Talented Learner Knows the answer Asks the questions Is interested Is highly curious Is attentive Is mentally and physically involved Has good ideas Has wild, silly ideas Works hard Plays around, yet tests well Answers the questions Discusses in detail, elaborates Top group Beyond the group Listens with interest Shows strong feelings and opinion Learns with ease Already knows 6-8 repetitions for mastery 1-2 repetitions for mastery Understands ideas Constructs abstractions Enjoys peers Prefers adults Grasps the meaning Draws inferences Completes assignments Initiates projects Is receptive Is intense Copies accurately Creates a new design Enjoys school Enjoys learning Absorbs information Manipulates information Technician Inventor Good memorizer Good guesser Enjoys straightforward, sequential presentation Thrives on complexity Is alert Is keen observant Is pleased with own learning Is highly-self critical 10

11 Student Assessment Written policies on student identification for gifted/talented services are approved by the district board of trustees and disseminated to all parents (19 TAC 89.1). Nomination/referral procedures and forms for assessment of gifted/talented students shall be disseminated and communicated to all parents in English and Spanish. Provisions for ongoing identification of students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment in each area of giftedness served by the district are included in board-approved policy (19 TAC 89.1 (1)). Students in grades K-12 shall be assessed and, if identified provided gifted/talented services (TEC and 19 TAC (3)). Assessment opportunities for gifted and talented identification are available at the elementary and secondary level during the fall for students new to the district and in the spring for enrolled students. Contact shall be made with nominated students and their parent/guardian to determine if the students are interested in the program (EHBB LOCAL). Written parental consent shall be obtained prior to conducting any testing or individual assessment as part of the gifted/talented identification process. All student information collected during the screening and identification process is an educational record subject to the protections of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974). Identification Procedures Criteria to identify gifted/talented students shall be established in the Board approved program and shall be specific to the state definition, and shall ensure the fair assessment of students with special needs, such as the culturally different, the economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities. Assessment of students for the gifted & talented program includes measures collected from multiple sources for each area of giftedness served by the district. Access to assessment and, if needed, gifted/talented services are available to all populations of the district (19 TAC 89.1 (3)). At the kindergarten level, as many criteria as possible, and at least three (3), are used to assess students who perform at remarkably high levels of accomplishment relative to age peers. 11

12 In grades 1-12, qualitative and quantitative data are collected through three (3) or more measures and used to determine whether or not a student needs gifted/talented services. All students are assessed in languages they understand or with nonverbal assessments. Data collected from multiple sources for each area of giftedness served by the district are included in the assessment process for gifted/talented services (19 TAC 89.1 (2)). Data from the most current standardized tests will be used in the screening and selection process of nominated students. Data to be considered will be mathematics, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. The student s most current grade or completed semester grade will be used as part of the screening/selection process. Final determination of students need for gifted/talented services is made by a committee of at least three (3) local district or campus educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted/talented students and who have met and reviewed the individual student data (19 TAC 89.1 (4)). The selection committee is formed of a majority of members who have completed thirty (30) hours of gifted & talented training as delineated in 19 TAC 89.2 (1). The selection committee shall evaluate each nominated student according to the established criteria and shall recommend placement for students whose data indicate that placement in a gifted educational setting is most appropriate. It is the responsibility of the campus GT coordinator to examine the nomination records, prepare a folder and compile screening data on appropriate forms for each nominated child. Data of students with permission for screening will be kept available in the office for future reference. Assessment Instruments Kindergarten: Renzulli-Smith Early Childhood Checklist Renzulli, Hartman & Callahan Scale for Rating Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students Raven Progressive Matrices/Naglieri Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), (Logramos) Parent Questionnaire Portfolio 12

13 Grades 1-2 Grades 3-4 Grades 5-6 Raven Progressive Matrices (or other mental ability test) Naglieri Standardized Achievement Test (ITBS), (Logramos), (or other Spanish Test) Total Reading Battery Total Mathematics Battery Total Language Battery Total Science Battery Total Social Studies Battery Grades Parent Questionnaire Renzulli, Hartman & Callahan Scale for Rating Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students Naglieri (or other mental ability test) Standardized Achievement Test (ITBS), (Logramos), (or other Spanish Test) Total Reading Battery Total Mathematics Battery Total Language Battery Total Science Battery Total Social Studies Battery STAAR Scores Grades Parent Questionnaire Renzulli, Hartman & Callahan Scale for Rating Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students Naglieri (or other mental ability test) Standardized Achievement Test (ITBS), (Logramos), (or other Spanish Test) Total Reading Battery Total Mathematics Battery Total Language Battery Total Science Battery Total Social Studies Battery STAAR Scores Grades Parent Questionnaire Renzulli, Hartman & Callahan Scale for Rating Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students 13

14 Grades 7-12 Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (or other mental ability test) Naglieri Standardized Achievement Test (ITBS), Gr. 7-8, (ITED) Gr Total Reading Battery Total Mathematics Battery Total Language Battery Total Science Battery Total Social Studies Battery Aprenda STAAR Scores Grades Parent Questionnaire Renzulli, Hartman & Callahan Scale for Rating Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students Notification Parents/guardians and students shall be notified in writing upon the selection of the student of the student for the gifted services. The district shall obtain written permission of the parent/guardian before a student is placed in the gifted program. Participation in any program or services provided for gifted students is voluntary. Service Design Identified gifted and talented students of La Feria ISD are assured an array of learning opportunities that are commensurate with the abilities and that emphasize content in the four (4) foundation curricular areas. Services are available during normal school hours as well as the entire school year. Parents are informed of these options (19 TAC 89.3 (3)). Gifted/talented students are assured opportunities to work together as a group, work with other students, and work independently during the school day as well as the entire school year as a direct result of gifted/talented service options (19 TAC 89.3 (1)). La Feria I. S. D., whenever possible, shall provide out-of-school options relevant to the student s area of strength (19 TAC 89.3 (3)). Local board policies are developed and are consistent with the State Board of Education rules of credit by examination (19 TAC 74.24) and early high school graduation opportunities (TEC ). 14

15 La Feria I. S. D. shall ensure that no more than 15% of state funds allocated for gifted and talented education programs are spent on indirect costs as defined in Financial Accounting and Reporting Module (Financial Accountability Resource Guide). At least 85% of the funds allocated to gifted education shall be spent on assessments and services for gifted students (19 TAC 89.4 (1)). Local funding for the gifted & talented education program is used to enhance the state funding formula. La Feria I. S. D. shall ensure that student assessment and services are in compliance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students (19 TAC 89.5). Curriculum & Instruction An array of appropriately challenging learning experiences in each of the four (4) foundation curricular areas is provided for gifted/talented students in grades K-12. Parents are informed of the opportunities (19 TAC 89.3). A continuum of learning experiences is provided that leads to the development of advancedlevel products and/or performances such as those provided through the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) (19 TAC 89.3 (2)). Opportunities are provided to accelerate in areas of students strengths (19 TAC 89.3 (4)). Provisions to improve services to gifted/talented students are included in district and campus improvements plans (TEC ). Sam Houston Elementary The gifted & talented students will be identified by March 1 st of the school year. The curriculum will consist of a pull-out program once weekly. The children will receive opportunities to accelerate in areas of academic strengths. David G. Sánchez Elementary First & Second Grade: The gifted & talented student in the 3 rd grade will be served in a self-contained class with students of like abilities. The students will receive instruction in which an array of appropriately challenging learning experiences is featured. The instruction will emphasize content from the four core academic areas. Teachers could have a mixed ability class but will differentiate instruction for the gifted and talented student. C. E. Vail Elementary Third & Fourth Grade: The gifted & talented students in the 3 rd grade will be served in a self-contained class with students of like abilities. The gifted & talented students in the 4 th grade will be served by a gifted & talented team. The children will receive instruction in which an array of appropriately challenging learning experiences is featured. The instruction will emphasize content in the four (4) core academic areas. Teachers could have a mixed ability class but will differentiate instruction for the gifted and talented student. 15

16 N. Dominguez Elementary Fifth Grade: The gifted & talented students will be served by a gifted & talented team. Gifted instruction will be taught in the four (4) core academic areas but the children will have the opportunity to work with students of other abilities and interests as well as their own abilities. Sixth Grade: The gifted & talented students will be served in the four (4) core academic areas (PAP Science 6 th grade). The teachers could have a self contained gifted and talented classroom or may have a mixed ability class but will differentiate instruction for the gifted and talented student. The students will receive instruction in which an array of appropriately challenging learning experiences is featured. W. B. Green Junior High School The gifted program at W. B. Green Junior High will consist of a program in all four (4) core academic areas. All gifted & talented students will be served in Pre-AP classes. The Pre-AP classes may be a mixed ability class but teachers will differentiate instruction for the gifted and talented student. La Feria High School The gifted Program at La Feria High School will consist of a program in all four (4) core academic areas. All gifted & talented students will be served in Pre-AP or AP instruction for the gifted & talented student. Professional Development A person who has 30 hours of staff development in gifted & talented education as required in 19 TAC 89.2 (1) is assigned to coordinate district level services for gifted & talented student in K-12 grades. Administrators and counselors who have authority for service decisions are required to complete minimum of six hours of professional development that includes nature and needs of gifted and talented students and service options for gifted and talented students (19 TAC 89.3 (4)). A minimum of thirty (30) hours of professional development that includes nature and needs of gifted/talented students, identification and assessment of gifted/talented students needs, and curriculum and instruction for gifted/talented students is required for teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the district s defined gifted/talented services (19 TAC 89.2 (1)). Teachers without required training who provide instruction and services that are part of the district s defined gifted & talented services are required to complete the thirty (30) hour training within one semester (19 TAC 89.2 (2)). 16

17 Teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the district s defined gifted/talented education that is related to state teacher educator standards (19 TAC 89.2 (3) and 19 TAC 23.31). Evaluation of professional development activities for the gifted/talented education in ongoing, and related to state teacher education standards, and the results of the evaluation are used in making decisions regarding future staff development plans (19 TAC 89.5). Family and Community Involvement Written policies are developed on gifted/talented student identification, approved by the La Feria board of trustees and disseminated to parents (19 TAC 89.1) and community members and that they have an opportunity to develop an understanding of and support for the program. Products and achievements of gifted students are shared with the community. An array of learning opportunities are provided for gifted/talented students in grades K-12, and parents are informed of all gifted/talented services and opportunities (19 TAC 89.3). The district provides orientation and periodic updates for parents of gifted and talented students through an informational booth and presentation at the annual parent conference. Written communication is also distributed to all parents during the fall and spring nomination period. The effectiveness of La Feria ISD gifted/talented services is evaluated annually, and the data is used to modify and update district and campus improvement plans. Parents are included in the evaluation process (TEC ). Furlough Procedures Written policies include provisions regarding transfer students, furloughs, reassessment, exiting of students from program services, and appeals of district decisions regarding program placement are included in board approved policy (19 TAC 89.1(5)). A Furlough is defined as a period of time (temporary) in which a student participating in the GT program may take a leave of absence from program services. A furlough for one semester may be granted to a student when extenuating circumstances prevents the student from being a productive member of the gifted and talented program. Extenuating circumstances might include: Death of a family member Family separation or divorce Illness or injury (student/family) 17

18 Scheduling conflicts The placement of student in an alternative setting Furloughs that do not meet the above extenuating criteria will be reviewed and approved by the campus selection committee. Students will be allowed to take a leave of absence from the gifted and talented program for a specified time without being exited as decided by the campus selection committee. If the student is furloughed from all services provided for the gifted and talented students at his/her grade level, the district will not report (PEIMS) the student as participating in a state approved gifted/talented program. Students who are unable to maintain satisfactory performance within the structure of the gifted/talented program may be placed on furlough by the selection committee. The purpose of such a furlough is to provide the student with an opportunity to attain performance goals established by the selection committee. At the end of the furlough, the student s progress shall be reassessed, and the student may re-enter the program, be exited from the program, or placed on another furlough not to exceed one school year. Furloughs from the program may be initiated by a parent/guardian (K-12), student (9-12) and/or school personnel. In grades 9-12, the student may request and complete the furlough form, but furlough requests must be signed by parent/guardian and a copy mailed to parent/guardian. Final decisions regarding furloughs are made by the campus selection committee. A furlough form can be obtained from the campus GT coordinator. Furlough forms will be placed in the student s placement file and copied to his/her cumulative folder. Exit Procedures Policy related to exiting of students from the gifted & talented program is based on multiple criteria including student performance in the program and is finalized by a committee decision after consultation with the parent(s) and student regarding the most appropriate educational placement. Student performance in the program shall be monitored. A student shall be removed from the program at any time the selection committee determines it is in the student s best interest. If a student, parent or guardian requests removal from the program, the selection committee shall meet with the parent/guardian and the student before honoring the request. 18

19 The following steps should be taken before exiting a student from the Gifted and Talented Program: 1. A teacher should hold a conference with the student to inform him/her of the teacher s concern about the student s performance. The teacher will inform the student of the exact weakness. 2. Two weeks after the conference, the teacher should notify the parent(s) (by phone or in person) if there has been an increased improvement in the performance of the student. The teacher will state ways in which he/she is working to help the student with his/her deficiencies and will also recommend ways the parent(s) may help their child. The teacher will also explain the student s role in correcting the deficient areas. 3. If after two weeks from the time of contact with parents, the student has not shown satisfactory improvement in the gifted & talented program, the teacher will inform the building principal. The student, the parent(s), the counselor and the teacher will have a meeting. The teacher will show in writing areas of deficiencies. All people attending the conference may give input into ways the deficiencies can be improved. At the conclusion of the conference, the student and his/her parent(s) will be informed, in writing, of needed improvements in the student s performance or products if he/she wishes to remain in the program. 4. If, following the formal conference, the student does not show a satisfactory improvement in the deficient areas, the teacher will notify the principal. The principal will call a meeting of the Gifted & Talented Selection Committee and make a final decision regarding exiting of the student from the gifted & talented program. This decision will be based on the overall educational performance of the student. Transfer Procedures Students who transfer into La Feria ISD identified as gifted/talented by a previous Texas public school or out of state school will be placed in the gifted/talented program based on a conditional acceptance until supporting documentation showing previous gifted/talented placement has been received. Student s records shall be reviewed by the gifted/talented selection committee to determine if placement in the District s program for gifted/talented is appropriate for the student. The campus Gifted & Talented Selection Committee shall make its determination within six weeks (30 days) of the student s enrollment in the district and shall base its decision on the transferred records or new assessment. 19

20 Policy related to transfer students ensures that students are properly assessed and appropriately placed within six weeks (30 days) of enrollment in the district. When a gifted and talented student withdraws and transfers to another district, La Feria I.S.D. will include information on the student s assessment data. Appeal Procedures A parent/guardian or student may appeal any final decision of the Gifted & Talented Selection Committee regarding selection, placement or exit from the gifted and talented program within 15 days of receiving notification. The process of all appeals always begins at the individual campus and must be submitted in writing to the campus GT coordinator and/or campus principal as per FNG (LOCAL)-A Level One. 1. Campus GT Coordinator meets with the parent/guardian and/or student within 10 days after receipt of the written appeal. The campus GT coordinator will explain the identification process and review the student s products and/or test results and profile. 2. The campus GT Coordinator and the campus Gifted & Talented Committee shall review all testing information/processes, examine additional information provided by the parent/guardian and/or student and make a decision concerning the student s selection, placement, or exit from the Gifted and Talented Program. 3. If the parent/guardian and/or student are not satisfied with the response or explanation, they may ask to appeal to the District GT Coordinator. The Campus Principal, Campus GT Coordinator and District GT Coordinator (District Appeal Committee) will set up an appointment to review all testing information/processes, examine additional information provided by the parent/guardian and/or student and make a decision in writing within 10 days concerning the selection, placement, or exit from the Gifted and Talented Program. Any subsequent appeals shall be made in accordance with FNG (LOCAL)-A beginning at Level Two. 1. If these discussions and considerations do not resolve the concern, the parent will be given a copy of Local Board Policy FNG (LOCAL)-A 6/18/ The Campus and District GT Coordinator will work with the Superintendent and Board of Trustees, if necessary. If the student or parent did not receive the relief requested at the level two or if the time for a response has expired, the student or parent may appeal to the Board FNG (LOCAL)-A Level Three. 20

21 La Feria ISD Gifted & Talented Program District GT Coordinator Parent/Community/Student Nomination Campus GT Coordinator Nomination School Staff Nomination Parent Permission to Screen Permission to Screen Denied Permission to Screen Screening Standardized test, questionnaires, grades, etc. Selection Campus GT Selection Committee Parental Appeal Denied/Accepted Admittance Parent Permission to Participate Denied Service Participation Exit Continue Furlough 21

22 Appendix A Policy and Training Information 22

23 La Feria ISD SPECIAL PROGRAMS GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS EHBB (LEGAL) The District shall establish a process for identifying and serving gifted and talented students and shall establish a program for those students in each grade level. The District may establish a shared services arrangement with other districts. Education Code DEFINITION IDENTIFICATION LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Gifted and talented student means a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area, possesses an unusual capacity for leadership, or excels in a specific academic field. Education Code Students shall be identified as gifted/talented in accordance with a written policy that includes: 1. Provisions for ongoing screening and selection of students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment in the areas defined in Education Code Assessment measures collected from multiple sources according to each area defined in the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students. 3. Data and procedures designed to ensure that students from all populations in the District have access to assessment and, if identified, to services provided for the gifted/talented program. 4. Provisions for final selection of students to be made by a committee of at least three local District educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted students. 5. Provisions regarding furloughs, reassessment, exiting of students from program services, transfer students, and appeals of District decisions regarding program placement. 19 TAC 89.1 The District shall provide an array of learning opportunities for gifted/talented students in kindergarten through grade 12 and shall inform parents of the opportunities. Options shall include: 1. Instructional and organizational patterns that enable identified students to work together as a group, to work with other students, and to work independently. 2. A continuum of learning experiences that leads to the development of advanced-level products and performances. DATE ISSUED: 2/5/ of 2 UPDATE 65 EHBB(LEGAL)-P 23

24 La Feria ISD SPECIAL PROGRAMS GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS EHBB (LEGAL) 3. In-school, and when possible, out-of-school options relevant to the student s area of strength that are available during the school year. 4. Opportunities to accelerate in areas of strength. 19 TAC 89.3 Note: See DMA(LEGAL) for training requirements for teachers of GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION. DATE ISSUED: 2/5/ of 2 UPDATE 65 EHBB(LEGAL)-P 24

25 La Feria ISD SPECIAL PROGRAMS GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS EHBB (LOCAL) NOMINATION IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA PARENTAL CONSENT SELECTION ASSESSMENTS NOTIFICATION REASSESSMENTS TRANSFER STUDENTS Students may be nominated for the gifted and talented program during the fall for students new to the District and in the spring for enrolled students by teachers, counselors, parents, or other interested persons. Contact shall be made with nominated students and their parent(s) to determine if the students are interested in the program. Criteria to identify gifted and talented students shall be established in the Board-approved program for the gifted and talented. The criteria shall be specific to the state definition of gifted and talented and shall ensure the fair assessment of students with special needs, such as the culturally different, the economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities. Written parental consent shall be obtained before any special testing or individual assessment is conducted as part of the screening and identification process. All student information collected during the screening and identification process shall be an educational record, subject to the protections set out in policies at FL. A selection committee shall evaluate each nominated student according to the established criteria and shall select those students for whom gifted program placement is the most appropriate educational setting. The committee shall be composed of at least three professional educators who have received training in the nature and needs of gifted students and shall be established at each campus. Data collected through both objective and subjective assessments shall be measured against the criteria approved by the Board to determine individual eligibility for the program. Assessment tools may include but not be limited to the following: achievement tests, intelligence tests, behavioral checklists completed by teachers and parents, teacher nominations based on classroom observations, and student work products, if available. Parents and students shall be notified in writing upon selection of the student for the gifted program. Participation in any program or services provided for gifted students is voluntary. The District shall obtain written permission of the students and the parents before a student is placed in a gifted program. The District shall reassess students to determine appropriate program placement at the end of grade 5. No reassessment shall be done until the end of the following school year after test scores are received. When a student identified as gifted by a previous school district transfers into the District, the student s records shall be reviewed DATE ISSUED: 5/3/ of 2 LDU EHBB(LOCAL)-X 25

26 La Feria ISD SPECIAL PROGRAMS GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS EHBB (LOCAL) by the selection committee to determine if placement in the District s program for gifted and talented students is appropriate. The committee shall make its determination within 30 days of the student s enrollment in the District and shall base its decision on the transferred records, observation reports of District teachers who instruct the student, and student and parent conferences. FURLOUGH EXIT PROVISIONS APPEALS PROGRAM EVALUATION COMMUNITY AWARENESS Students who are unable to maintain satisfactory performance within the structure of the gifted and talented program may be placed on furlough by the selection committee. The purpose of such a furlough is to provide the student an opportunity to attain performance goals established by the selection committee. A furlough also may be granted at the request of the student and/or parent. A student may be furloughed for a period of time deemed appropriate by the selection committee. At the end of the furlough, the student s progress shall be reassessed, and the student may reenter the gifted program, be removed from the program, or be placed on another furlough. Student performance in the program shall be monitored. A student shall be removed from the program at any time the selection committee determines it is in the student s best interest. If a student or parent requests removal from the program, the selection committee shall meet with the parent and student before honoring the request. Parents or students may appeal any final decision of the selection committee regarding selection for or removal from the gifted program. Appeal shall be made first to the selection committee. Any subsequent appeals shall be made in accordance with FNG(LOCAL) beginning at Level Two. The gifted program shall be evaluated periodically, and evaluation information shall be shared with Board members, administrators, teachers, counselors, students in the gifted and talented program, and the community. The District shall ensure that information about the District s gifted and talented program is available to parents and community members and that they have an opportunity to develop an understanding of and support for the program. DATE ISSUED: 5/3/2004 ADOPTED: 2 of 2 LDU EHBB(LOCAL)-X 26

27 La Feria Independent School District Required Gifted/Talented 30-Hour Training Educator Name Class Available from Region Training Date Completed 1. Nature and Needs of the Gifted Face-to-face or online 2. Assessing Student Needs for the G/T Program Face-to-face or online 3. Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted Students 1 Face-to-face or online 4. Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted Students 2 Face-to-face 5. Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted Students 3 Face-to-face or online 27

28 Appendix B Program Timelines 28

29 La Feria Independent School District District Gifted/Talented Coordinator Responsibilities August-September November-December Spring New district faculty members providing Gifted/Talented services have secured the 30 hours of G/T foundational required professional development. If this is not possible, new faculty must obtain the training within one semester. Administrators and counselors who have authority to make program decisions, or assess students, should have 6 hours of Nature and Needs of the Gifted professional development. Campus principals are provided with an updated list of identified Gifted/Talented students. Place notice of referral for student assessment in local newspaper or on school website. Notice should be available in English as well as Spanish. Campus office should have referral forms available. Host a district-wide parent information meeting on identification procedures and program services. Involve teachers from each campus to explain how identified students are served. Conduct and/or oversee administration of assessment instruments to nominated students. Kindergarten assessment should be completed by mid- February. Meet with Gifted/Talented Committee to discuss qualification of Kindergarten students prior to March 1. Kinder identified students must receive services by March 1. Documentation of G/T Services forms are disseminated to campus administrators. Annually establish means of informing parents how students will receive services (meeting, letter, website). Make copies of local Gifted/Talented policy and procedures available at each campus as well as The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students ( GTStatePlanEnglishAug05.pdf), and upon request by individuals. Check with PEIMS coding coordinator to confirm correct coding of newly identified students. Check to confirm student portfolios are housed at each student s campus Attend fall G/T Coordinator meeting Once the referral period has closed, obtain written parental permission for assessment of each student. Maintain staff development records of applicable staff Notify PEIMS coding coordinator of identified Kinder students prior to March 1. Meet with Gifted/Talented Committee in May to discuss qualification of students in grades Administer and collect surveys over G/T services from teachers, students, and parents. Aggregate data and disseminate to superintendent, campus administrators, school board, and District Improvement Team. Collect campus Documentation of G/T Services forms for year Attend Spring G/T Coordinator 29

30 La Feria Independent School District G/T Teacher Responsibilities Beginning of Year Ongoing End-of-Year If this is your first year to provide Gifted/Talented services, make sure you have secured the 30 hours of G/T foundational required professional development. If this is not possible prior to the school year beginning, it must be obtained before the end of the first semester. Maintain copies of professional development records as proof of training. Obtain a current list of identified Gifted/Talented students. Differentiate for identified students on a regular basis through incorporating Depth and Complexity, as well as advanced products and performances. Other means of differentiation can be offered at your discretion based on student needs. Grades should always be based on grade-level TEKS. Maintain student portfolios, adding one product/performance per semester. Assist district G/T Coordinator and campus administrator in administering and collecting surveys over G/T services from teachers, students, and parents. Submit 2 nd semester documentation of services form to your campus administrator. Obtain a copy of local G/T policy and procedures as well as The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students from your campus administrator. Familiarize yourself with district and state requirements. Secure Documentation of G/T Services forms from your campus administrator. You should maintain one form for each identified G/T student and will turn these in each semester to your campus principal. Coordinate with your campus administrator to establish a means of informing parents how students will receive services (meeting, letter, website, etc.). Maintain documentation of services forms and submit to your campus administrator at the end of each semester. Make sure you have received 6-hours of G/T update professional development credit each year you provide Gifted/Talented services and maintain copy of certificate for proof. Send student portfolios to the next grade level. Check with your campus administrator if you are unsure of who should receive them. If parents of identified students request copies of local Gifted/Talented policy and/or procedures, as well as The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students, secure copies from your campus administrator. Locate student portfolios through your campus administrator and add one product/performance for the student each semester. 30

31 La Feria Independent School District Campus Administrator Responsibilities August-September November-December Spring New campus faculty members providing Gifted/Talented services have secured the 30 hours of G/T foundational required professional development. If this is not possible before the school year begins, new faculty must obtain the training within one semester. To the extent possible, cluster G/T students in the same class sections. Campus G/T teachers are provided with an updated list of identified Gifted/Talented students. Make available referral forms for parents and community members who wish to nominate a student for testing. Notice should be available in English as well as Spanish. Once the referral period has closed, obtain written parental permission for assessment of each student. Maintain staff development records of G/T teaching staff Assist district G/T Coordinator in administering and collecting surveys over G/T services from teachers, students, and parents. Campus Improvement Plans should contain at least one indicator for improvement of G/T services each year based on campus survey data. Collect forms documenting G/T services from G/T teachers at the end of the second semester. Campus G/T teachers are provided with copy of local G/T policy and procedures as well as The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students ( GTStatePlanEnglishAug05.pdf). Documentation of G/T Services forms are disseminated to G/T teachers. Establish means of informing parents how students will receive services (meeting, letter, website). Maintain several copies of local Gifted/Talented policy and procedures as well as The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students available to G/T parents upon request Check with PEIMS coding coordinator to confirm correct coding of newly identified students. Check to confirm student portfolios are received by students new teachers and maintained throughout the year. Collect forms documenting G/T services from G/T teachers at the end of the first semester. As PDAS walk-throughs and observations are conducted, look for evidence of teachers using Depth and Complexity with their G/T students as well as requiring advanced level products and performances. Assure current G/T teaching faculty have obtained a 6-hour G/T credit professional development update As spring identification are finalized, place copy of student profile for qualifying students in permanent records If identified students are moving to another campus, collect students portfolios and send to new campus. 31

32 Appendix C Program Forms 32

33 LA FERIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 203 EAST OLEANDER AVE. LA FERIA, TX Gifted & Talented Program GT Record Request Form Authorization to Release Gifted Records To: Previous school information School: Address: Contact Person: Phone: FAX: You are authorized to release confidential information on the following student: Full name: Birth date: These records may be forwarded to: Gifted & Talented Campus Coordinator School: Address: La Feria, TX FAX: Information to be released: Any nationally-normed testing results, grades, surveys, etc.: all other information that resulted in the placement of my child in your gifted and talented program. Please assist in the handling of this request as quickly as possible so my child may be placed in the most appropriate gifted educational setting. Parent/Guardian Signature Relationship Date 33

34 La Feria Independent School District P.O. Box E. Oleander La Feria, Texas (956) FAX (956) Mr. Raymundo P. Villarreal, Superintendent La Feria I.S.D. School Board Juan Briones President Alan Moore Vice-President Gloria Casas Sec'y-Treas. September 15, 2014 Dear Parents: The La Feria Independent School District's Gifted and Talented Program is designed to serve a small segment of the student population. Students must meet strict criteria as defined in the Gifted and Talented Plan. Parents may nominate their child for consideration. All parents please complete the nomination form below and submit this form to the counselor at the campus your child is currently attending. If you have any questions, please contact your child's campus counselor. Thank you. Campus Sam Houston Elementary Counselor Tracy Ocanas Telephone David Bazaldua Member Pancho Cobarrubias Member Nomination Form Please check either yes or no below, sign and date. Yes, I nominate my child,, for the G/T Program. (child's full name) Javier Loredo Member No, I DO NOT, nominate my child,, for the G/T Program. (child's full name) Lalo Sosa Member My Child's Homeroom Teacher is Room# Parent's signature: Date: Parent's name (please print): THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED BY Monday, October 6, Parents, please return form regardless of answering yes or no to the question above! 34

35 La Feria Independent School District P.O. Box E. Oleander La Feria, Texas (956) FAX (956) Mr. Raymundo P. Villarreal, Superintendent La Feria I.S.D. School Board Juan Briones President Alan Moore Vice-President Gloria Casas Sec'y-Treas. David Bazaldua Member 15 de septiembre de 2014 Estimados Padres, El programa de Dotado y Talentoso del distrito escolar de La Feria está designado para servir un pequeño grupo de estudiantes. Los estudiantes tendrán que llevar acabo cierto criterio como es definido en el plan del programa de Dotado y Talentoso. Los padres puedan nominar a su niño/a para consideración. Todos los padres deben llenar está forma de nominación y entregarla al consejero/a en la escuela donde el niño/a asiste. Si tiene alguna pregunta favor de llamar al consejero/a donde asiste su hijo/a. Muchas gracias. Escuela Sam Houston Elementary Consejero/a Teléfono Pancho Cobarrubias Member Javier Loredo Member Lalo Sosa Member Forma de Nominación Por favor marque sí o no, firme la forma y póngale la fecha. Si, yo quiero nominar mi niño/niña,, para el programa G/T. (nombre de niño/niña) No, yo no quiero nominar mi niño/niña, para el programa G/T. (nombre de niño/niña) La maestra/maestro de homeroom de mi hijo/hija es: Firma de padres: Fecha: Nombre de padre ( imprima por favor): TODAS NOMINACIONES DEBEN SER ENTREGADAS PARA EL 6 de ocutbre del

36 La Feria Independent School District P.O. Box E. Oleander La Feria, Texas (956) FAX (956) Mr. Raymundo P. Villarreal Jr.,Superintendent La Feria I.S.D. School Board Juan Briones President Alan Moore Vice-President January 6, 2015 Dear Parents: The La Feria Independent School District's Gifted and Talented Program is designed to serve a small segment of the student population. Students must meet strict criteria as defined in the Gifted and Talented Plan. Parents may nominate their child for consideration. All parents please complete the nomination form below and submit this form to the counselor at the campus your child is currently attending. If you have any questions, please contact your child's campus counselor. Thank you. Gloria Casas Sec'y-Treas. David Bazaldua Member Campus David G. Sanchez Elementary C. E. Vail Elementary Noemi Dominguez Elementary W. B. Green Junior High School La Feria High School Counselor Mrs. L. García Mrs. S. Cantu Mrs. M. Guajardo Mrs. A. Xitumul Mrs. E. Cavazos Telephone Pancho Cobarrubias Member Nomination Form Please check either yes or no below, sign and date. Javier Loredo Member Lalo Sosa Member Yes, I nominate my child,, for the G/T Program. (child's full name) No, I DO NOT, nominate my child,, for the G/T Program. (child's full name) My Child's Homeroom Teacher is Parent's signature: Room# Date: Parent's name (please print): THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED BY Friday, March 8, Parents, please return form regardless of answering yes or no to the question above! 36