MIDDLE SCHOOL GIFTED SERVICESGifted Services Advisory Committee

December 11, 2014

Rochester Public Schools

Inspire

Challenge

Empower

Gifted Services Mission

Create an environment in which the full potential of the Gifted and Talented learner

is recognized, encouraged and nurtured.

Topics for This Evening•Rochester Accelerated Math Program (RAMP)

•Middle School Honors Courses

•Highly Gifted Program at Friedell

Middle School Gifted Specialists

Friedell – Joanne Michet

Kellogg– Cindy Martenson

John Adams – Lynsey Hagen

Lincoln – Vandi King

Willow Creek – Penny Alsager

RAMP Goal

• Provide an opportunity to accelerate math instruction for students who:• Are developmentally ready for the abstract thinking

skills required in pre-algebra• Possess strong math ability and skills• Possess strong organizational and study skills

It is the expectation that students in accelerated math will take four years of math in high school.

MATH COURSE SEQUENCE

RAMP Criteria• RAMP Website

RAMP Timeline• March 2 – 20, 2015

• Orleans Hannah Algebra Prognosis Test• Given at all elementary schools to qualifying students

• Week of June 1, 2015• Placement notification sent to families by US Mail

• June 8, 2015 - Make up OH at Middle Schools• August 20, 2015 9:00 am or 1:00 pm

• RAMP Testing• Appeals testing – Grade 6• RAMP placement tests – students entering grades 7,8

• Edison Board Room

Appeals Process

1.FIRST contact the gifted specialist at your student’s school

2.Register your student to take the test with the gifted specialist at your school

3.Pass the Math 6 appeals test at 80%

PLEASE WRITE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT RAMP

Middle School Math Subject Acceleration or Credit by Assessment (CBA)

•January 23, 2015•August 3, 2015•The winter 2016 date will be set when the 2015-16 calendar is set.

Intermediate Algebra Honors

Geometry Honors

Algebra II Advanced Function Honors

Other Credit by Assessment Opportunities for students in Grade 8

CBA - District Web Site

What are Middle School Honors Classes?

THEY ARE:

In English, science and social studies

Offered on both teams

Inclusive of the same standards as grade level classes

Faster paced; less repetitive

An opportunity to go into greater depth and experience more challenge

Requiring a greater degree of independence on assignments

THEY ARE NOT:

Accelerated classes; you will not be skipping a grade level class

Classes that earn high school credit

More work; work is matched to your instructional level

Who Should Sign Up?Students who:

• feel the pace of the regular class goes too slowly, has too much repetition, and doesn't require them to learn anything new.

• are willing to work hard and do their best work• have strong reading and writing skills• are self-directed and able to work independently on

assignments• are eager to explore new concepts in English, Science, or

Social Studies

Registration Process

•Students are encouraged to take an honors class in an area of interest.

•Students may request 0-3 honors classes in grades seven and eight.

•Based on need, availability, and scheduling, students may be placed in more than one honors class.

Once I am in, then what?• Strive to do your best.

• We expect all students to maintain a “B” average.

• What happens if I am struggling to keep up?

Talk to your teacher to see what you can do to improve your grade with the help of your parents and teachers. Consider whether it is in your best interest to stay or move to the regular class.

PLEASE WRITE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS CLASSES

Highly Gifted Program at Friedell

• Students and families considering this option must meet ONE of the following criteria:

• CogAT composite score of 132 or higher; or• NWEA test total in Reading = 97 NPR or higher AND NWEA test total in Math 97 NPR or higher AND a CogAT composite score of 128 or higher; or

• A portfolio of exemplary work may be submitted. The student’s current classroom teacher oversees the completion of the portfolio.

HG Program at Friedell (New timeline is yet to be determined.)• October 7 – 25, 2013

• Grade 5 CogAT testing

• November 8, 2013• Make up CogAT testing

• Mid-November 2013• Notification of qualification

• December 6, 2013• Portfolio requests due

• January 10, 2014• HG Portfolios due

• January 21, 2014• Applications for Friedell due

• Early February 2014• Acceptance or wait list letters sent

PLEASE WRITE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HIGHLY GIFTED PROGRAM AT FRIEDELL

Topics for This Evening•Rochester Accelerated Math Program (RAMP)

•Middle School Honors Courses

•Highly Gifted Program at Friedell

TIME TO ANSWER QUESTIONSRAMP

HONORSHG PROGRAMOTHER

THANK YOU FOR COMING THIS EVENING.