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District #58 recognizes uniqueness in all children with different learning styles, different intellectual talents, and different ways of knowing. A Gifted and Talented Program was established to serve identified primary first through third grade students with high abilities, potential and exceptionalities.
First Grade
The Creative and Critical Thinking Program is designed for identified first grade students, and it focuses on the nurturing of creative and critical thinking skills in the young student.
Identified first grade students meet in their home school Learning Resource Center during the second semester for either twenty-four half-hour or twelve one-hour sessions. The Creative and Critical Thinking instructors are the Learning Resource Center Directors in each of the elementary schools in the district. These educators have training in the skills and processes taught in the program. This pullout program begins the primary gifted and talented experience.
Topical Studies Program, Second and Third Grades
The Topical Studies, designed for identified second and third grade students, completes the primary program. This pullout program exposes students to a wide variety of topics and provides experiences suited to the diverse interests of young, high ability students.
Identified second and third grade students meet, by grade level, for six, two-day sessions each school year at a designated elementary school in the district. Busing is provided. Attendance days alternate between two weekdays. The Topical Studies Program instructor is a specialist in gifted education.
Resource Support Option
Resource services are available to classroom teachers and parents to meet the many and diverse needs of capable students.
This support option includes:
-collaborating on curriculum modification for individual students
-providing materials and activities for use in the classroom
-offering meetings for parents of identified gifted students
-conferencing, supporting and encouraging those involved with the brightest students in the district
-training and professional growth opportunities
District #58 recognizes uniqueness in all children with different learning styles, different intellectual talents, and different ways of knowing. A Gifted and Talented Program was established to serve identified fourth through sixth grade students with high abilities, outstanding talent, and potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment.
Extend Program
Designed for identified intermediate gifted students this pullout program exposes students to experiences, materials, and information that:
1) relate and use concepts from subject matter disciplines taught in the schools;
2) cross disciplines (interdisciplinary);
3) emphasize a thematic approach;
4) introduce the process of learning through visual thinking, problem solving, creative and inventive thought, and group interaction; and,
5) encourage students’confidence to develop and communicate ideas
Identified fourth, fifth and sixth grade students meet for thirty full-day sessions each school year at a designated elementary school in the district. Busing is provided by the district from and to the home schools The Extend instructors are specialists in gifted education.
Resource Support Option
Resource services are available to classroom teachers, parents and administrators in meeting the many and diverse needs of bright students and the adults that work with them at the elementary levels. This support option includes:
-collaborating on curriculum modifications for individual students
-providing materials and activities for use in the classroom
-offering additional meetings for parents of identified gifted students
-conferencing, supporting and encouraging those involved with the brightest students in the district
-training and professional growth opportunities
District #58 recognizes uniqueness in all children with different learning styles, different intellectual talents, and different ways of knowing A Gifted and Talented Program was established to serve identified middle school students with high abilities, potential and exceptionalities.
Four seminars are offered with an additional one session seminar being offered to seventh and eighth grade students who participated in the intermediate gifted program.
The seminars expose students to experiences, materials and information that:
1. relate and work with content appropriate to their interest and abilities;
2. emphasize a thematic approach;
3. introduce the process of learning through visual thinking, problem solving, creative thought and group interaction; and
4. encourage students’ confidence to develop and communicate ideas.
The offerings vary providing an appropriately differentiated curriculum:
The Math Seminar – Students experience through various media and hands-on activities the exciting and powerful ways that math permeates the arts and creative thinking.
The Science Seminar – Students investigate various areas of science in an attempt to make students aware of the importance of science in their future both in school and their adult lives. The seminar will also serve as an additional support for the science fair.
Language Seminar – Students look at the writings of various authors including Shakespeare to gain an appreciation for literature in its varied styles and techniques.
The Social Studies Seminar – Students investigate the impact of history on society through various topics such as political cartoons, inventions and art.
