GREAT THINKING THURSDAY
For Klein ISD Educators of Gifted
March 7, 2019
Professional Learning: Celebrating Diversity through Research & Differentiated Products!
A new class of Klein ISD teachers of gifted has completed 2/3 of their required foundational training. They have learned through a blended format in which they analyze and synthesize current research regarding the nature and needs of gifted and identification and assessment for gifted.
The groups then worked through the Jigsaw method and discussed their findings. Utilizing their research, this group created a rap video to describe a gifted learner's perspective relating to underrepresented populations. In this clip, Kaela Bailey, a brand new teacher AND a new teacher of gifted at Lemm Elementary demonstrates the perspective of this learner.
It is a goal of the Advanced Academic department to refine the identification process for gifted learners so that the demographics of the gifted population in Klein reflects the overall demographics of Klein ISD. It is achieving our shared through pathways, challenge, EQUITY, leadership and continuous improvement. We celebrate GROUP 1 and their learning!
Kathleen Plott
Instructional Officer, Advanced Academics
Two GT Advocates Named Campus Teachers of the Year!
GT Research Expo: Globally Gifted Celebration!
Kathleen Plott
Instructional Officer, Advanced Academics
Advanced Academic Program Coordinators supported Cultivate Talent through professional learning to teachers and campus GT Advocates starting in the summer and throughout the school year with the implementation of John Spencer's LAUNCH cycle within the Research Milestones and Pathways. This helped to Reimagine Learning and personalize research for students with an exploration of topics culminating in a presentation/product launch at the Expo. GIfted and advanced learners followed research based pathways on topic of interests, through leadership within clubs and organizations, musical and artistic performances, and through advanced coursework in groups collaborating through independent study courses, AP Capstone courses Seminar and Research, and the International Baccalaureate Group 4 project.
Researchers attending the Expo had the choice of having their final research appraised. Strategically prioritizing Build Community, over 60 stakeholders and community members from across the district served as external evaluators for the students' projects. Community members asked questions of the researchers and evaluated their projects and presentations with a rubric developed by professional gifted researchers Drs. Julia Roberts and Tracy Inman. One appraiser remarked, "This event and the student's range of topics is simply mind-blowing!".
Additionally, two Parent Presentation nights from 6:30-8:00 PM were held. Over 100 students, parents, grandparents, and guests attended! From parent David Beaulieu:
"The GT EXPO day is by far my son’s favorite day of the school year! The inclusion of evening presentations was a great addition that allowed him to share his project with an even larger audience!"
A huge celebratory shout out to the leadership in the College and Career Pathways, Klein ISD Communications, Klein Education Foundation, and the Teaching and Learning Center departments for their support of this annual event!
Please enjoy the social media pictures posted below!