MIDDLE SCHOOL GT PROGRAM GTPreAP Integrated Language Arts

MIDDLE SCHOOL GT PROGRAM GT/Pre-AP Integrated Language Arts Frisco ISD Gifted and Talented Program

A little about me… (Optional) Education Years teaching…years in Frisco Certifications Family info/picture

GT in Middle School

Key Points G/T… doesn’t mean “really, really smart. ” refers to a way of thinking and learning. shouldn’t mean pressure to be the best at everything. requires learning in areas in which students still need to build skills.

Elementary School Middle GT/Pre-AP Integrated Language Arts (ILA) part of regular schedule not a “pull-out” class focuses on one core subject, ILA or English and reading graded meets state and district ILA learning standards G/T strategies homogeneous grouping Skills

Middle School Core Content Area On-Level Course Math Science Social Studies Integrated Language Arts (English and Reading) Pre-AP Course Pre-AP Gifted and Talented (Seventh and Eighth Grade Only)

Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) ILA versus Pre-AP Gifted and Talented (GT) ILA • Both classes prepare students for Advanced Placement classes in high school. • The GT/Pre-AP ILA course is designed to implement strategies specifically for the gifted learner. The GT Curriculum uses • • Springboard as framework, but differentiated same TEKS—and skills different novels differentiated projects The course is designed to • • challenge and mentor satisfy the needs of gifted students emphasize higher order thinking skills nurture GT students socially and emotionally

Why GT? Students are grouped with like-minded classmates taught by trained teachers address social, emotional, and academic needs trained in gifted education appropriately struggle challenged to promote growth success provided a support system

Curriculum Basics

Literature A mixture of both short and long readings Variety of genres and texts GT ILA novels and non-fiction books paired readings Used for extensive and in-depth analysis Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) For more information on developing poetry essays satire humor informational narrative drama historical fiction realistic fiction biography current events fantasy etc.

Summer Reading Begins our journey to explore theme of change Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Writing Learn and apply grammar and mechanics Develop skills and style Prepare for STAAR and AP Experience many modes of writing including, but not limited to: poetry research papers (MLA) analysis persuasion narrative short-answer For more information on developing verbal talent, go to http: //bit. ly/gtverbal.

Embedded Assessments (EA) Spring. Board terminology Each unit includes 2 -3 EAs work product mastery of skills and knowledge differentiated for gifted students

Stems The Frisco ISD Gifted and Talented Department utilizes a research-based, systematic approach to vocabulary instruction that is responsive to the academic needs of gifted students. Beginning in sixth and progressing through eighth grade, this approach… supports depth and complexity, increases reading comprehension, helps students decode words, improves students’ use of language, supports vocabulary development across content areas, aligns with the state curriculum, and prepares students for rigorous ACT and SAT assessments.

Grammar The Frisco ISD Gifted and Talented Department utilizes a research-based, systematic approach to grammar instruction that is responsive to the academic needs of gifted students. Beginning in sixth grade and progressing through eighth grade, this approach… supports depth and complexity, increases the development of analytical and creative writing skills, helps students build a better command of syntax, improves students’ use of language--both spoken and written, supports writing development across content areas, aligns with the state curriculum, and prepares students for rigorous standardized assessments and

Furlough Please note that two six weeks’ averages of below 75 will require a parent conference to discuss whether or not GT is the best placement for your child. A child may be furloughed for poor grades after the conference.

Additional Opportunities Clubs and Organizations Destination Imagination (DI) Academic Pentathlon Mock Trial Math and Science Team Math Counts Programs Visioneering TEDX Conferences SMU’s Gifted Students Institute Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP)

The Nine Week Challenge

Middle School Challenges

Challenges Numerous changes Big fish-little pond Feels like everything has to be perfect Unaccustomed to not knowing the “right answer” all of the time Poor time management skills Disorganized Challenging course work

How Can We Help?

How Can We Help? Model time management learning from mistakes study skills positive self-talk Set aside time for organizing and planning Let your student lead Tutorials Praise effort Communicate with teacher

Contact me! Email: caskeyc@friscoisd. org Phone: 469. 633. 5250 Website: caskey. edublogs. org

Questions?

Thank you!