Transcript Slide 1

McKinney isd
GT Elementary Program 2009
- 2010
McKinney ISD exists to provide an excellent education for all.
Agenda
1. Benefits of Clustering
2. Third Grade Program
3. Depth and Complexity
4. Report Cards
5. Q & A
Clustering

Diversity – Academically gifted students are
able to interact with other gifted students,
including those with different cultures,
experiences, and learning styles.
3rd Grade
½ Day GT Pull-Out
Fall – Mysteries and Bloom’s Taxonomy of Thinking
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Mystery/Who Dunnit
Unknown Variables in Algebra (Hands-On
Equations)
Logical Reasoning
Creative Thinking (Fluency, Flexibility,
Elaboration, and Originality)
3rd Grade
½ Day GT Pull-Out
Spring – Ancient Wonders Lead to Future Systems
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Ancient Civilizations of Egypt and Korea
Introduction to College of William and Mary
Curriculum using novel, The Kite Fighters.
Introduction of Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity
In-depth study of Base 3 numeration system
Depth
Know and use the language of the discipline.
Use details to elaborate in the discipline. Details
are very specific, not general.
Look for patterns of recurring elements (identify,
predict, generalize).
Look for trends or forces that shape a body of
knowledge. (literature, history, prior knowledge
Depth
Identify the unanswered questions about
issues/concerns in the discipline.
Identify and explain the rules or how
information/events are organized in the discipline.
Be sensitive to the ethical considerations in the
problem/issue/discipline. (‘tug-of-war’ or conflict
needing resolution).
Look at big ideas that can be supported by the
evidence from a body of knowledge, including facts,
rules, trends, patterns, etc..
Complexity
Look at ideas/information over time.
(Past-Present-Future)
Look at ideas/information from different
points-of-view. (interdisciplinary)
Look for connections among/between
ideas/information (different subjects)
Alpha Report Card
3rd grade ALPHA report cards will be sent home
each semester.
Based on:
 concepts covered in the Alpha classroom.

goals and objectives specifically designed
for gifted learners.
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the evidence of development and
application of enduring understandings.
“There is nothing more unequal
than the equal treatment of unequal
children.” ~ S. Fennell
Thank you so much
for joining us!
We appreciate your support for your child
and education.
-The Elementary ALPHA Team