Highly Capable Services Restructure 

 Purpose: Of all the students we aim to educate this school year, it is our most able students who are likely to learn the least. Although we have tried to identify and serve exceptionally capable students through cognitive ability testing and a partially self-contained LA/SS/Science program, we continue to miss serving many talented and motivated students, while over-identifying others. We also miss half a student’s school day with our current model. If we significantly change our current highly capable program model, then how can all teachers (core, elective, labelled HC, not labelled HC, etc.)  meet ALL students’ needs for enrichment and challenging learning opportunities?

Our work together will include:

1)    Research the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. Identify its pros/cons with respect to IMS. Recommend timelines and staff training if appropriate.

2)    Identify the pros and cons of implementing other models, such as honors, advanced, or compacted courses. At all three grades? Just 8th? For 7th and 8th? Recommend timelines and staff training if appropriate.

3)    Study the six National Association for Gifted Children Standards. Recommend which components should most immediately be incorporated into all general education courses.

4)    Work with team-selected content area standards to write “beyond ready” language and options for students.

Facilitator: Tonya VanOrden