MIDDLE SCHOOL GIFTED SERVICESGifted Services Advisory Committee

December 12, 2013

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.

SynecticsSynectics:

the ability to make physical, symbolic, or

behavioral connections between the strange and

the familiar.

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

John Adams – Cindy Martenson

Kellogg – Cindy Martenson

Lincoln – Vandi King

Willow Creek – Penny Alsager

RAMP Goal

• Provide an opportunity for students to accelerate their math instruction 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 10 – 21, 2014

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

• Week of June 2, 2014• Placement notification sent to families by US Mail

• June 9 or 13, Make up OH at Middle Schools• August 19, 2014 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.Complete the RAMP appeal form found on the District Gifted Services website – Due by date of test

4.Pass the Every Day Math 6 Placement test at 80%

QUESTIONS ABOUT RAMP

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

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:

The new name for “Flex” classes

Offered on both teams

Addressing the same standards as grade level classes

Faster paced; less repetition

An opportunity to go into greater depth; more challenge

Requiring a greater degree of independence on assignments

THEY ARE NOT:

An accelerated class; you will not be skipping a grade level class

A class that earns HS 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 able to work independently on assignments with few

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

Social Studies

Registration Process

•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, not be the 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.

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• 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

• February 3, 2014• Signed attendance confirmation letters sent

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

BREAKOUT/FEEDBACK GROUPS