Mrs. Branton's April 2016 GE News
Gifted Education News for Woodland and Edinbrook
Cognitive Abilities Test Results
All students in grades 2-4 who took the CogAT in January or February will receive the results of testing in the US mail in May. For formal identification which is valid through the end of elementary school, we are looking for results in the 96th percentile or higher (a comparison to 100 other students) in one or more of the three areas we test (verbal, non-verbal, quantitative).
After placing all formally identified students in needs based classes it is determined if space is still available in the needs based class. If space remains for more students then spring MAP scores are used to determine “revolve-in” participation on a 1 year basis. This process is completed at the beginning of each school year.
Feel free to get in touch with me after you receive your child's test results in May if you need clarification.
What should I tell my child about being formally identified to receive gifted services?
Explain that he or she did very well on the tests.
Show that you are happy or pleased, but limit your expectations to current learning.
ü Say: “It sounds like a good opportunity for you. I hope you like it.”
ü Not: “You should really be able to make something of yourself now.”
Tell her or him that the program (or class) is designed for kids who learn particularly well and that you are proud of them.
Tell your child that the school was finding kids that need extra enrichment to think about subjects deeply and explore subjects in different ways. Your child may find more students with similar interests in the program.
Go ahead and talk about it with your child. Ignoring the identification, or avoiding the subject when it comes up, will make them think it is an embarrassment, or they are.
Although your child has been identified for our gifted pullout program, remember that not all aspects of a gifted child are necessarily advanced. They may excel in one content area, but struggle in others. Your child’s emotional, social or physical development may or may not be similar to children the same age.
What should I tell my child about not being formally identified to receive gifted services?
· Explain that the Cognitive Abilities Test is only one way to participate in GE pull-out classes.
· Tell your child the GE teacher will also look at MAP test scores for Reading and Math this spring to find students who should participate in classes. Teacher, parent and student advocacy for a student matters a great deal as well.
· Remind your child that ‘smart’ doesn’t necessarily mean high test scores.
· Explain that experts in the area of gifted education cannot agree on an actual definition of giftedness. So… they may not be labeled ‘gifted’ for school, however that does not mean they are not advanced in some way. It may be that school can’t or has difficulty testing their area of advancement.
What about siblings?
Focus on the individual differences and achievements of all children.
Show each child that he or she is valued – that many different qualities are extremely desirable and valued (such as humor, spirit, honesty, loyalty, effort, caring). Acknowledge the feelings of brothers and sisters. The feelings are real, whether they are jealousy, anger, rejection, admiration, confusion, or inferiority. Talking it out is better than suppressing or ignoring it.
Discuss what “gifted” means – it is an educational term, not a value judgment.
Remember this is not a competition where a child “wins” being identified for the Gifted Program and “loses” if not identified. A child is the same child as before identification.
Save the majority of your praise for the gifted child in private; focus on effort not innate ability. Reinforce all children in public.
Make sure you give each child as much one-to-one time as possible; don’t let the gifted child’s talent take up all your time.
*Based on the work and writing of Judy Galbraith, author of various works on the social and emotional needs of the gifted
Third Grade Verbal Seminar
We will find our super powers by working through the writing process and creating our own super hero stories!
Fourth Grade Verbal Seminar
Students will be able to explore their passions and intrests by integrating technology through research projects.
Fifth Grade Verbal Seminar
Students will be able to explore their passions and intrests by integrating technology through research projects.
All GE students in grades 3 through 5 will be focusing on their Verbal skills during April and May. This includes reading, writing and communicating effectively.
Resourses:
Recommended games for gifted elementary students: http://tksstgiftguide.tumblr.com/
Article for parents of gifted children: http://www.karenpmorrison.com/home/beyond-giftedness-learn-to-be-the-parent-your-child-needs
GE Monthly District Parent Forums
Only 2 more District Gifted Education parent meetings left this year! The purpose of these meetings is to provide parent support for students participating in gifted education needs based classes. These sessions will be facilitated by #279 Gifted Education Teachers and all meetings will be held at Oak View Elementary from 6:30-7:30 pm. Childcare for children 4+ and a light snack will be provided.
April 12, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Not Just Gifted? Twice-Exceptional Children, Organization Issues
May 10th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Advocating for Your Gifted Child Gifted Child