Gifted & Talented

Our School’s GT Coordinator(s) Contact Information

Name(s): Courtney Armstrong
Email(s): courtney.a.armstrong@adams12.org

When is GT testing in my school?

Universal Screening: In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, 2nd and 6th graders who are not already identified GT participate in the Universal Screening process for potential gifted and talented identification. Find more detailed information regarding Universal Screening in the Five Star District.

Important dates for the Universal Screening process at our school:

2nd Grade Screener: September 15th

Parent/Staff/Student GT Recommendation: All students can participate in the GT identification process by submitting a complete body of evidence. Find more detailed information regarding the GT recommendation process in the Five Star District.

If you are interested in having your child be considered for the GT identification process you need to contact your GT Coordinator for school specific information.

Important dates for the GT Recommendation process at our school: 

All Grades Screener: November 15th 

Nominations for all grades screener opens September 22 and closes October 6th. 

Gifted-Talented Identification Testing

Do you suspect that your child may be in need of enriched academic programming?  Does it seem like he or she may need additional challenges in their education, and may be gifted or talented?  Gifted/Talented (G/T) testing at McElwain Elementary is currently scheduled for September 22, 2021 for all students in grades K-1 and 3-5 (testing for all 2nd grade students will occur on a different date).  If you have a student you would like to nominate for G/T identification and would like to have tested, please fill out this form Parent Form no later than October 6, 2021. You may also go to https://www.adams12.org/gifted-advanced-academics/identification-assessment  for further information.

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Evaluaciones para la Identificación de Dotados y Talentosos

¿Sospecha que su hijo tal vez necesite programación académica enriquecida? ¿Parece que necesita retos adicionales en su educación o que tal vez sea dotado o talentoso? Las evaluaciones para dotados y talentosos (G/T siglas en inglés) en McElwain Elementary actualmente está programada para March 4, 2021 para todos los estudiantes en los grados de kínder a 1º y de 3º a 5º (los exámenes para todos los estudiantes de 2º se administrará en otra fecha).  Si usted tiene un hijo al cual le gustaría nominar para la identificación G/T y quisiera que sea evaluado, por favor llene este formulario Forma de Padre a más tardar January 24, 2021. Usted también puede visitar la página http://www.adams12.org/identificación para dotados y talentosos para más información.

Gifted & Talented Program Offerings

Advanced Curriculum & Extended Learning:  “The Vehicle”
Provides the depth and complexity needed to ensure meaningful academic growth
Our school offerings include:

Approach to teaching and learning:

  • Apply learning to the real-world, college/career readiness, meaningful, relevant, authentic learning

Professional development plans: 

  • Professional Development for staff to implement GT best practices

Differentiated Learning Pathways:  “The Roadmap”
Provides an education at the appropriate level of readiness and challenge
Our school offerings include:

Structures and strategies for differentiation:

  • Appropriate structures to allow for differentiation- content, process, product, environment - Beginning to build stronger practices around differentiation based on student data and student need

Individualized Opportunities & Enrichment:  “The Customized Options”
Actively engages and motivates through interests and meaningful learning opportunities
Our school offerings include:

Extended learning:

  • Passion projects: actively engaging, challenging, meaningful, motivating students in their area of interest

Enrichment (during the school day): Adjusted curriculum 

Enrichment (outside of school day):

  • Enrichment, clubs, students in grades 3-5 that are either in the talent pool/pending or identified GT have historically participated in MCE’s Battle of the Books after school club - we are anticipating this again this school year

Social-Emotional Learning:  “The Destination”
Focuses on developing the whole child by balancing empowerment and accountability
Our school offerings include:

Structures and strategies to develop the whole child (NAGC competencies):

  • As a school - we are engaged in Restorative Approaches across the school and  leverage and teach students these practices in order to resolve conflict, build relationships (Connection Circles), be leaders (RA Peer Group), and to improve social interactions and social responsibilities.

    • Personal Competencies: self-awareness, advocacy, efficacy, confidence, motivation, resilience, independence, curiosity, risk-taking, emotional expression

    • Social Competencies: peer relationships and social interactions, social responsibility and leadership, communication skills, respect, collaboration

    • Actively take part in improving their lives for the better (groups, volunteer, community service, learn new strategies, outlook on life)