Slide 1

WELCOME!
Before we get started:

 Use the index cards on your table to write
any specific questions you would like me
to address tonight.
 Question on one side
 On the other side: include your name, your
child’s name and contact information (email,
phone #) if you would like a personal
response

 Talk to 1 or 2 parents that you have not
met before. Find out a little about their
experiences at Long Branch and their
child(ren).


Slide 2

Kathryn Culbertson
Resource Teacher for Gifted Services
Long Branch Elementary School
October 30, 2013


Slide 3

Agenda
 Gifted Services at Long Branch
 APS Gifted Identification Process


Slide 4

Resource Teacher
Responsibilities
 Promote differentiation in the classroom
(strategies, content) and model instructional
practices to develop and enhance student
capacity
 Provide enrichment and supplemental resources
for teachers
 Work with staff to take advantage of
Professional Development opportunities related
to gifted education
 Facilitate APS identification process


Slide 5

Professional Learning Communities
(PLCs)
Four Key Questions Focused on Student
Learning
#1 What do we expect students to learn?
#2 How will we know when they have learned it?
#3 How will we provide time and support when
they don’t learn it?

#4 How will we expand learning when
they already know it or learn it quickly?


Slide 6

Working with Students
 Content instruction is coordinated by grade level
each day
(ex. All 5th grade math: 10-12 M, T, Th, F & 10-11 Tu)

 RTG plans with and supports classroom
teachers with extension activities and homework
for students who have already shown mastery of
grade level content
 Support may look different in the various grade
depending on teacher and student needs
** seek to do what is best for students


Slide 7

Classroom Support
K, 1st & 2nd Grades
 Model critical and creative thinking strategies in
classes
 Provide resources and differentiation support
 Observe strengths and potential
 Meet with small groups for reading and math
enrichment weekly
 Support teachers with lesson planning, resources
and co-teaching as requested


Slide 8

Classroom Support
3rd - 5th Grade
 Plan with teachers for Language Arts and Math
lesson enrichment
 Provide Literature/Reading and math instruction
support for identified students
 Meet weekly for math and Lang. Arts enrichment with
identified and advanced students
 Model Critical and Creative thinking strategies in all
classrooms
 Develop extension projects with teachers in content
areas (beginning 2nd quarter)


Slide 9

Curriculum Examples
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William and Mary Literature Units
Project M2 and Project M3 Advanced Math Units
Hands On Equations and Groundworks Algebra
AIMS Science/Math Activities
Continental Math League
Project Clarion Units
Social Studies Alive!


Slide 10

Arlington Public Schools Curriculum


Core Curriculum
 English
 Math
 Science
 Social Studies


Slide 11

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English/Lang.
Arts
Reading
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Matched to student skill
level, includes vocabulary
study

Writing/Grammar
 Instruction matched to
student skills and interests
Word Study
 Spelling and vocabulary
leveled based on student
skill development

Mathematics
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Number Sense

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Computation and Estimation

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Measurement

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Geometry

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Patterns, Functions, Algebra

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Probability and Statistics

Problem Solving and
Communication skills developed
throughout …


Slide 12

Science!
Science Fusion *new*
 opportunities for virtual
 labs,
 hands on inquiry,
 thought-provoking
 questions/application
within each unit

Social Studies
Social Studies Alive!
Supplemental materials allow
students to:
 build upon prior knowledge
 engage in activities to
conceptualize knowledge
 participate in higher order
thinking
 respond to assignments
according to personal
learning styles


Slide 13

Parent Resources

 Additional information about APS Gifted
Services is located on the APS website
www.apsva.us
Click
on
 Curriculum and Instruction
 Programs
 Gifted Services


Slide 14

Contact Information
Kathryn Culbertson
Resource Teacher for Gifted Services
Email: [email protected]

Phone: (703) 228-4220

Cheryl McCullough,
Supervisor for Gifted Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (703) 228-6160


Slide 15

Part 2:
Gifted Identification Process


Slide 16

Virginia Gifted Regulations


Virginia Department of Education regulations
state that each school district must develop a
plan to identify and provide services to those
students who have learning needs beyond
the regular instructional program.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/gifted_ed/index.shtml


Slide 17

Arlington Public Schools
 Identify students who require gifted
services
 Provide teachers with Professional
Development in understanding gifted child
behaviors and mindset and providing
appropriate instruction
 Establish educational services to match
the needs of gifted learners
 Support differentiated instruction to meet
the needs of gifted students


Slide 18

Gifted Services Identification
 Specific Academic Aptitude (Grades K-12)
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English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

 Visual or Performing Arts (Grades 3-12)
 Visual Art
 Vocal Music
 Instrumental Music (instruments taught in APS)


Slide 19

Screening for Gifted Services
 School population is screened annually to create a pool
of candidates based on student needs for gifted services
(RTG, Classroom Teachers, Specialists)

 Formal Screening - review test information
 Grade 2 students take the Naglieri Ability Test
(NNAT-2)
 Grade 4 students take the Cognitive Ability Test
(CogAT)
 If not in grades 2 or 4, RTG administers a countyapproved ability test
 Students entering APS from other districts may have
additional testing information which will be part of
their screening process.

 Informal Screening -teacher assessment, parent


Slide 20

Referrals for Gifted Services
Students may be referred for services by:
o
o
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Classroom teachers
school personnel
parents/guardians
community members
Self or other students

until April 1st of the current school year

 Identification decisions are sent to parents or guardians
by letter within 10 school days of the Identification
Committee meeting

 Referral forms can be found here:
 http://www.apsva.us/page/1846


Slide 21

Eligibility Criteria
 Gifted Services in Specific Academic Areas
 Nationally Normed Testing Data
 Ability testing
 Achievement testing
 Teacher checklist
 School-based Data
 Parent Information
 Work Samples


Slide 22

Eligibility Criteria
 Visual Arts or Vocal/Instrumental Music
Areas (Grades 3-12)
 Art and Music Teacher Referral: Observations
of Artistic Behaviors
 Student Products
 Grades
 Parent Information


Slide 23

Appeals Process
 An Appeal is available to families following
the eligibility process
 Appeals begin at the school level with the
principal
 A second level of appeal is countywide Gifted
Services Administrative Appeals Committee
(must be submitted within 30 days of the
school level committee decision)

 Students found ineligible for services may
be re-referred after 365 days from date of
testing.


Slide 24

Contact Information
Kathryn Culbertson
Resource Teacher for Gifted Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (703) 228-4220

Cheryl McCullough,
Supervisor for Gifted Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (703) 228-6160