Billinghurst Gifted and Talented Model

2004-2005 School Year

I Implementation of Autonomous Learner Model in the following areas that enhance

the current best practices already in place based upon the middle school philosophy:

1. Advisory: GT students will be clustered in one or two advisory groups depending upon the number of students participating. The advisory groups will meet the first 20 minutes of every school day. The advisory teacher(s) assigned are core subject teachers (Cathy Gorham, Science). The leadership advisory facilitated by the core subject teacher will experience all of the elements demonstrated in the ALM program to include: orientation, individual development, enrichment, seminars and in-depth study. The students throughout the year will select special topics.

2. Each team will provide opportunities within a nine-week period in the areas of Language Arts, Science and Social Studies/History to all GT students in order to meet the individual academic and state time requirements.

1. Each team of core teachers will work to develop and implement interdisciplinary units utilizing the ALM program and clustering GT and higher-level students. Lessons will be based upon the ALM model promoting critical thinking enhanced explorations to include: media, novels, guest speakers, etc. Students will be focusing on current events, creating team newsletters, etc.

II Data Collection and Program Monitoring

1. Students will be tracking daily activities through the use of journals/logs. Student surveys will be implemented quarterly to determine effectiveness of program and individual needs.

2. Parent surveys ≥quarterly≤ will be generated throughout the year.

3. Core team teachers will be meeting on a bi-monthly basis to dialogue, report and evaluate team lessons using ALM, planning and monitoring of individual GT students. Specific forms will be completed by each team and collected by the liaison monthly.

4. A core teacher will represent BDB as the liaison between the BDB Teams and the district GT office. This person will be responsible for establishing bi-monthly meetings, collecting and gathering data throughout the year and communicating with parents.

III Communication

1. Each team will be accountable for communicating lessons and activities pertaining to the ALM program to students and parents via newsletters, e-mails, etc.

2. Parent representatives serving on the BDB GT Committee will be parent communication liaisons.

3. The BDB Core Liaison will gather team information and communicate with district office.

4. Invitations to participate in GT Advisory were sent to students/parents on 6/8/04.

5. Letters to staff members seeking staff interest in serving as a GT advisory teacher were sent on 6/8/04.

6. Letters explaining GT Program for BDB during the 2004-2005 school year will be distributed to students/parents by June 23, 2004.

7. A GT Parent Night will be organized for the beginning of the school year defining expectations and providing a list of activities/events students will be able to participate in. All core teachers will be present.

IV ALM Training

1. All staff will be required to attend ALM Training during our professional development minimum days in September and October per district approval.

2. Core teachers will have an opportunity to earn certification in GT to enhance their knowledge and instructional skills.

V Expectations of District GT Office

1. BDB will require the district GT office to submit a listing of GT students including specific areas of certification and strengths.

2. The district GT office will provide ALM Training.