Advanced Academics Updates
For Klein ISD Leaders
December 17, 2019
- January 11 SAT School Day Prep Professional Learning for HS Teachers
- January 15 GT Guiding Coalition
- January 16 Advanced Academics Architectural Design Team
- January 21 AP PLC ELA/SS
AAADT Update
Klein Teacher Leaders Reimagine Learning for Advanced Learners
By Donald Brunell
Teacher Leader
Cain High School
Modern World History Advanced Placement
The Advanced Academic Architectural Design Team (AAADT) met on December 11th, 2019 to discuss the district goal of re-imaging learning for advanced academic learners for Klein I.S.D. The topic of the day was assessment within the advanced academic classes for maximum impact and efficiency to help advanced learners. The meeting started with the Albert Einstein quote "Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it was stupid." The quote shows the impact of what assessment can do and potential limitations that can inhibit student's learning and self-awareness.
The group of fellow teachers then used the "Zero Draft Method" for reflection over Chapter 5 shared reading book Architects of Deeper Learning by Lissa Pijanowski. Chapter 5: Inspection of Results, discuss types of formative assessments which can most impact students for summative assessment and deeper understanding and student learning based on sound pedagogy. Fellow teachers then were tasked to summarize the chapter based on multiple means and modes of teaching and learning. Task 1: discuss the teacher and student roles in assessment FOR, OF, and AS learners. Task 2: discuss the development of rubrics, including a single point rubric to properly assess students in a formative manner. Task 3: create a student learning plan to maximize progress and feedback. Task 4: proper and effective feedback for students.
The individual groups then presented their findings and tasks to the entire AAADT teachers. Each member of the teams used various methods to present their findings including self created posters, web quests, manipulatives, Google docs, and video presentations. Although each group had the same four tasks to summarize the same information, it was truly amazing how each member presented the materials in different styles and focused on different parts of the important information presented in Chapter 5, just like in our class rooms.
The cohort meeting concluded with a focus on the advanced academic plan of Klein I.S.D. and the power and responsibility we have to our fellow teachers and most importantly our students. The AAADT continues to focus on the students, teachers, administrators, parents and numerous other stake holders within Klein I.S.D. for the true meaning of education and knowledge is based upon sound practices, pedagogy and evidenced based research.
TEA Definition: Advanced Academics
GT IDENTIFICATION UPDATES
Gifted Identification Updates
Move-In Gifted/Talented Testing:
If you have had parents of newly enrolled students inquire about GT testing, now is the time for them to give permission to test. Contact your Advanced Academics Program Coordinator with the names of the students, and they will reach out to the parents to get permission to test. This only applies to students enrolling in Klein ISD after September 27th, 2019. The Advanced Academics team will conduct and coordinate testing with campus GT Administrators. Please refer to the GT Assessment Calendar (page 2) or contact Kathleen Plott for more information.
Cultivate Talent: Fall GT Professional Learning Playlist
December 7, 2019
Professional Learning: 64 New teachers of Gifted
Teachers Participate in Research and Instructional Strategies
Teachers comments regarding the training:
Kindergarten Teacher: "It was one of the most engaging and meaningful PD's I have ever been to. Two things I learned today were building deeper learning through creative projects like posters with only 3 words. I also would like to implement scamper."
6th Grade Teachers: "The differentiation between Critical and Creative Thinking was the highlight of the day. I learned a lot on how to critically think for my GT students and how they expand creatively on their learning."
Group 7 Researchers
Mary Yarbray
Priscilla Hurst
Abigail Daigle
Jeffrey Gaspard
Jeanette Zamarripa
Twice Exceptional Students
Twice Exceptional have one or more disabilities may include specific learning disabilities (SpLD), speech and language disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, autism spectrum, or other impairments such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Often their giftedness is often overshadowed by their disabilities. The puzzle pieces represent their struggles from their disabilities they must juggle (overcome), but studies show that creative learning styles that are student centered work best.
Kaplan's Model for Depth and Complexity
Educational framework (scaffolding knowledge) with Depth & Complexity to real world experience.
Based on Kaplan’s model, this article offered an explanation on a portion of Kaplan’s model to have an automatic way for students to increase depth and complexity in everyday assignments. Teacher’s responsibility to teach the GT student what the icons mean (one by one) and connect them to existing knowledge of the students. Scaffold until the students can use the icons independently.