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Gifted Cluster Model Update

May 14, 2015

Mrs. Linda Palles-Thompson, K12 Administrator

Purpose

Presentation of K-8 gifted services

• Background• Current Program• Next Steps

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Background of Gifted Services

• Project IDEAL • Signature Schools• Copperwood Center for Differentiated Instruction

(2000/2001)

• Apache Gifted Academy (2011/2012)

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• Gifted services for K-8th grade transitioned from a pull-out program to a school wide cluster model starting 2013/2014 due to necessary budget reductions.

• Total budget cuts - $2.5M• Gifted Restructure - $685,000

Restructure of Gifted Services

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Features of PUSD Cluster Model

• Gifted students are placed into classrooms with a designated cluster teacher

• Six district wide gifted coaches provide professional development, resources, and model lessons within those classrooms

• Two part time testers identify gifted students according to state law

• A gifted lead coordinates coaches’ activities, interfaces with curriculum and instruction, and maintains parent communication

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Positive Impact of Gifted Model• Promising results with respect to student growth

• Increased capacity of teachers throughout the district with respect to gifted education– 837 model lessons– 1,094 meetings with gifted cluster teachers– 93 teacher in-services

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• Excellence = Motivation x Creativity2

Canyon Leadership Academy• Innovative projects– Literature– Science– Fine and Performing Arts– Social Studies

E=MC2 Showcase May 7, 2015

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E=MC2 Showcase May 7, 2015

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E=MC2 Showcase May 7, 2015

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E=MC2 Showcase May 7, 2015

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Survey

• 226 Parent Responses• 1812 Student Responses

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Parent Survey Trends

• Want more challenge and rigor• Reinstate Project IDEAL type program• More competitions/contests/field trips• Regular communication • More personalization

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Differentiated Education Plan

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DRAFT

Differentiated Education Plan

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DRAFT

Next Steps

• Pilot DEP• Gifted Blog• 2nd Annual E=MC2 Showcase

• Fall Contest/Game Bowl• Clubs/Summer Program

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Questions