PEAK
High School GT Center
Programming
Welcoming its second class of freshmen
Fall 2010 -- WRHS
What is a Gifted Center School?
• While the needs of advanced learners are addressed at each
neighborhood school, Jeffco also offers an optional program,
the Gifted Center, for highly academic students who are identified
as gifted.
• 7 elementaries, 5 middle schools, 1 high school
• Grades 1 – 8 are in full time GT programming with multi-age,
single grade level, or teamed classes/settings.
Enrichment
Compacted curriculum
Accelerated curriculum
Attention to affective needs
Independent, in-depth studies
Emphasis on higher level thinking skills
PEAK Mission Statement
• The mission of the PEAK GT Center is to provide
support intellectual, social and emotional
development; encourage exploration in areas of
interest; provide authentic learning experiences;
develop enhanced critical and creative thinking
skills; and foster a flexible, accepting climate
for gifted and talented learners.
• Academic rigor combined with individualized
programming and mentoring in fields of interest
will provide learners with differentiated opportunities
to develop their potential and become self-directed,
responsible citizens leading productive, fulfilling
lives. PEAK GT programming will effectively
employ research-based strategies designed
to increase student achievement and
nurture autonomous learners.
Characteristics of Giftedness
• Divergent Thinking Ability
• Excitability
• Sensitivity
• Perceptiveness
• Entelechy
-- Silverman, 1993
BRIGHT CHILD GIFTED LEARNER
☼ Knows the answers ‼ Asks the questions
☼ Works hard ‼ Plays around, yet tests well
☼ Learns with ease ‼ Already knows
☼ Is attentive and ‼ Is mentally and physically
responsive involved
☼ Has good ideas ‼ Has wild, silly ideas
☼ 6-8 repetitions for mastery ‼ 1-2 repetitions for mastery
☼ Answers the questions ‼ Discusses in detail, elaborates
☼ Top group ‼ Beyond the group
☼ Is interested ‼ Is highly curious
☼ Understands ideas ‼ Constructs abstractions
☼ Enjoys peers ‼ Prefers adults
☼ Listens with interest ‼ Shows strong feelings
and opinions
BRIGHT CHILD GIFTED LEARNER
☼ Copies accurately ‼ Creates a new design
☼ Is receptive ‼ Is intense
☼ Completes assignments ‼ Initiates projects
☼ Enjoys school ‼ Enjoys learning
☼ Grasps the meaning ‼ Draws inferences
☼ Absorbs information ‼ Manipulates information
☼ Enjoys sequential presentation ‼ Thrives on complexity
☼ Is pleased with own learning ‼ Is highly self-critical
☼ Is alert ‼ Is keenly observant
☼ Good memorizer ‼ Good guesser
☼ Technician ‼ Inventor
BRIGHT CHILD GIFTED LEARNER
prepared?? questioning??
participating?? challenging??
“do-bee”?? lazy??
pleaser?? rebel??
compliant?? noncompliant??
weird??
strong work ethic?? inconsistent
cooperative?? work
habits??
GT Myths & Realities:
Myth: Reality:
They don’t need Their needs are as
special resources. unique as those of
‘Special Needs’
students.
They’re smart;
GT kids can be prone
they’re happy;
they’re the lucky to stress and/or
ones. depression.
Learning is easy for They tend to learn
differently.
them.
They’ll automatically risk of dropping out;
risks associated with
succeed in school
and in life. ‘Underachievement’
Characteristics of Gifted Learners
Asynchrony
Perfectionism
Multi-Potentiality
Difficult Peer Relationships
Intense Emotional and/or
Physical Sensitivity
High Frustration with
Unchallenging Curriculum
Imposter Syndrome
Issues and Concerns of Gifted Children & Youth
** Topics for Pathways class discussions **
lack of cognitive challenges
boredom in the classroom
confusion about the meaning of giftedness
non-acceptance of self
non-acceptance by others
non-acceptance of others
mixed communication from others
lack of significant peer relationships
inappropriate behavior
Intellectual Characteristics and
Personality Characteristics
Exceptional reasoning ability – Insightfulness
Intellectual curiosity – Need to understand
Rapid learning rate – Need for mental stimulation
Facility with abstraction – Perfectionism
Complex thought processes – Need for precision/logic
Vivid imagination – Excellent sense of humor
Passion for learning – Intensity
Powers of concentration – Perseverance
Analytical thinking – Acute self-awareness
Divergent thinking/creativity – Nonconformity
Keen sense of justice – Questioning of rules/authority
Capacity for reflection – Tendency toward introversion
-- Silverman, 1993
What makes PEAK programming unique?
• (1) PEAK Pathways class
► three semesters (3+) -- will address:
College Planning for Gifted Students by Berger, in addition to
Study Skills for High School Students by Carter,
Knowing oneself: learning styles, multiple intelligences, etc.
Affective issues, social issues: “What is intelligence/giftedness/talent?”,
“Why do some gifted individuals not fit with their age peers?”, etc.
Also: multipotentiality, perfectionism, asynchrony, stress,
motivation, sensitivity, creativity, twice exceptional issues,
extracurricular activities, time management, test-taking
skills, underachievement, divergent thinking, creative
and critical thinking skills, college planning, note-taking,
early college credit/entrance, organizational issues,
study skills, etc.
Pre-assessment / curriculum compacting procedures /
replacement options
Support and guidance in individualized in-depth studies
► Dimensions One & Two of the ALM --
– Orientation & Individual Development
What makes PEAK programming unique?
• (1) PEAK Pathways class
► one class period of self-contained GT programming with
intellectual peers incorporating the Autonomous Learner
Model (ALM) and supporting one’s other classes and
related coursework (for 3+ semesters, elective credit, graded)
► PEAK GT HS programming begins in the PEAK Pathways
class, and all individualized efforts and growth toward
becoming an autonomous learner and a lifelong learner
begin here and are supported here. While some applicants
may not need or utilize the other components/offerings of
PEAK programming, this portion will apply to all and
enrollment in PEAK classes 5 semesters is a requirement.
► addressing issues similar to WRHS Freshmen Seminar
and other high schools’ freshmen transition programs;
designed to replace Freshmen Seminar while modifying
the content and pace
► Dimensions One & Two of the ALM --
– Orientation & Individual Development
What makes PEAK programming unique?
• (2) GT Trained Instructors and Facilitators
– WRHS staff and GT staff have been working together
since the spring of 2008 studying the characteristics and
needs of gifted learners; examining current offerings in
Jeffco; studying programs in other districts and other
states; considering parent, teacher, and student input;
developing the PEAK application materials, the selection
matrix, and portfolio components and evaluation.
– Dr. George Betts as staff trainer and consultant
– Participation in and training at: the CAGT conference,
the state Twice Exceptional Training, the International
Conference on the Autonomous Learner Model for the
Gifted, and more!
– GT inservices and training opportunities
– Online GT courses
– Graduate courses related to GT
Professional Development
☺ Professional Development Formats:
1) Mini-sessions / inservices
2) Guest speakers
3) Conferences
4) Learning from in-building personnel
☺ Topics:
Differentiation strategies -- Critical thinking
Reading and writing strategies
Underachievement / motivation
Creativity -- Leadership
Autonomous Learner Model (ALM)
Nature and needs of gifted learners
Social and emotional needs of gifted learners
Fostering talent areas -- Bright child vs. gifted learner
What makes PEAK programming unique?
• (3) Pre-testing and Compacting Options
– Pre-testing/pre-assessment will be available
when appropriate. Teachers may use these
with all students or may implement a system
based upon student request. Proof of prior
mastery will result in replacement work.
– Instructional time outside of the classroom will be
framed by the classroom teacher, will include
student input and interest areas, and will be
supervised by the GT teacher(s).
-- may be connecting a music passion with an era in history, an
art passion with a science unit they tested out of, etc.
-- can be linked to specific course objectives, essential learnings,
and benchmarks, or advanced concepts as directed by the
classroom teacher, or determined by student interest areas
What makes PEAK programming unique?
• (4) Career Mentorship (junior year)
– Experiential exploration of a potential future career
– One semester class (may take one, two, or three times)
– Approx. 5 hours in the work place per week
– Attend approx. 2 classes weekly
– Researching a specific career field, utilizing
technology, building a career portfolio, presenting
a culminating capstone project to a panel of peers,
educators, and/or community professionals
– Modeled after several effective programs, primarily
one in Hall County, GA, among others -- incorporates
essential aspects of the Autonomous Learner Model
(ALM)
• (5) PEAK Capstone Project
Autonomous Learner In-Depth Study
(senior year)
PEAK Capstone Project
(senior year)
☻ In-depth study of a topic which will hold the student‟s
interest throughout research and the writing process
☻ Exploration of an arguable topic on which one can take a
position, form a thesis for, and defend objectively before
a panel
☻ may partner with a mentor, a professional in the field
☻ Possible topic categories: literary, scientific,
mathematical, psychological, philosophical,
social, historical, aesthetic
☻ Possible topics: The Physiology of Running, Endangered Species,
DNA Fingerprinting, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia, AIDS, The
Assassination of President Kennedy, Vegetarian Benefits, The
Probability of Extraterrestrial Life, The Spanish and Their Aztec and
Mayan Victims, Taiwan‟s Struggle against Mainland China, Sexism in
the English Language, Increasing Video Surveillance in Modern
Society, Tonsils and Adenoids: Immune Supporters or Inhibitors?,
Racial Profiling, Affirmative Action, Childhood Immunizations, Effects
of Advertising on Children, Cults, Violence in the Media, etc.
How do students apply for and
qualify for PEAK programming?
Application consists of:
Student-Created Portfolio
4 Recommendations:
teacher, parent, and the student
-- additional adults optional
Intellectual Ability Data
CogAT and/or NNAT test scores
Achievement Data (lowest weighted)
GPA & CSAP scores
Jeffco Choice Enrollment form
** Round One (fall) Applications due 12/2/09 **
** Round Two (spring) Applications due 4/21/10 **
PEAK
** Important Monday, October 19, 2008
Parent Information Meeting
Dates
Wheat Ridge High School -- 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Parent Information Meeting
Ken Caryl Middle School -- 7:00 P.M. (KCMS potluck at 6:00)
to Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Parent Information Meeting
Wheat Ridge High School -- 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Remember!! Tuesday, November 17, 2008
Parent Information Meeting
Wheat Ridge High School -- PEAK info. 6:00 – 6:45 P.M.
WRHS Fall Showcase Night -- 7-9 PM -- 11/17
FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE = December 2
SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE = April 21
How does PEAK programming
differ from my neighborhood
high school?
• Affective support
– PEAK Pathways class, 3+ semesters
• GT trained staff
• Flexibility through pre-assessment
and curriculum compacting
• Cluster groupings in core classes
• Junior year career mentorships
– option to continue into senior year
How does PEAK programming
differ from the IB program?
• PEAK utilizes GT trained staff and also includes systemic and ongoing teacher
training and professional development related to GT issues
• Affective support (PEAK Pathways class – 3+ semesters)
• No expectation that students be advanced in all content areas (IB is self-described
as being designed / intended for those high “across all curriculum areas”)
• Priority placed upon students‟ ability to remain involved in extracurricular
activities, clubs, theater, band, sports, Forensics, etc., in addition to
pursuing other passion areas outside of the school setting
• Not a standardized international program
(IB is self-described as “a total program”)
• Increased flexibility and individualization
• Less necessity for applicant to have already developed and honed superior
organizational skills and self-motivation
• Less likelihood of entering college with multiple college credits
– still available on an individualized basis, but not systemic
• Differing culminating term paper requirement, no culminating testing
(AP: 1 yr. course to exam; IB = 2 yr. course to exam with no multiple choice, 2 days in length)
• Not the reported feeling of being in a „holding pattern‟ for two years before one‟s
programming begins
(Sources: IB informational presentations, present and former IB parents, GT center teachers, IB staff, present and former IB students, web sites)
How does PEAK programming
differ from the
NAOS and PAH programs?
• Affective support (Pathways class)
• GT trained staff
• Increased flexibility and individualization
• Consideration of student-created portfolio
and student/self-recommendation form
• Less of a Humanities approach
• Career mentorship in junior year
• PEAK recommendation forms strive to identify
a different type of student/learner
(other programs‟ forms address: academics, motivation,
independence, productivity, maturity, etc.; in addition
to GPA & CSAP being much more heavily weighted)
What PEAK is not …
• Another IB program
• Another Jeffco Open School
• A Twice Exceptional magnet school
-- not part of the PEAK design + no extra staffing for this
• Another charter school
• A self-contained program (PEAK students will be integrated
into the overall school community for most of the school day.)
• A Warren Tech program for GT students
• Early college entrance/credit for all
• A community college program for GT students
…and it is not for all students nor the best fit
for all gifted students or their only option
PEAK
** Applications -- due dates:
Round One = December 2, 2009
Round Two = April 21, 2009
for the 2010-2011 school year
More information about PEAK programming
available on the GT web site:
www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented/index.html
and
http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented/gifted_talented_apply.html
on the WRHS web site:
http://sc.jeffco.k12.co.us/education/school/school/php?sectionid=317
on the PEAK GT Information Line:
at 303-982-8650
How do students apply for and
qualify for PEAK programming?
Application consists of:
Student-Created Portfolio
4 Recommendations:
teacher, parent, and the student
-- additional adults optional
Intellectual Ability Data
CogAT and/or NNAT test scores
Achievement Data (lowest weighted)
GPA & CSAP scores
Jeffco Choice Enrollment form
** Round One (fall) Applications due 12/2/09 **
** Round Two (spring) Applications due 4/21/10 **
Student-Created Portfolio
WHAT??
-- A STUDENT-CREATED PORTFOLIO!
* - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - *
WHY?? -- to showcase your best work and your interests!!
-- to celebrate your talents!!
. . . whether from school or out of school
HOW?? -- Think about what’s fun for you!
-- Think about what products you’re proud of!
-- Think about what you’d like to do more at school!
WHO?? -- You, the student, decide which items to include.
-- This is not dictated to you by an adult.
HOW MUCH?? -- Submit at least two items,
but no more than three.
Student-Created Portfolio
an invention an art show award
a game you created a science fair award
songs you composed web pages you created
winning an essay contest a poem you got published
an athletic accomplishment theatrical roles you mastered
a wonderful painting you created fashion designs you have created
an exceptional science lab report historical fiction you have authored
any state or national ranking or award an outstanding essay or research paper
architectural designs you have created your well-maintained aquarium or garden
selection for an honor band or honor choir a community service project you organized
•
• The possibilities are endless, and the portfolio will be as unique as you are!
•
• WHAT ELSE?? - - attach a brief explanation/reflection
-- the sense of accomplishment this piece gives you -- the efforts you invested in its creation
-- the talent, passion area, and/or potential it reveals -- how it relates to your interests and goals
-- any other reflections you have or conclusions you draw from your accomplishment
• WHEN?? - - All application materials should be sent to
Wheat Ridge High School
Round One (fall) -- on or before December 2, 2009
Round Two (spring) -- on or before April 21, 2010
PEAK
** Applications -- due dates:
Round One = December 2, 2009
Round Two = April 21, 2010
for the 2010-2011 school year
More information about PEAK programming
available on the GT web site:
www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented/index.html
and
http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented/gifted_talented_apply.html
on the WRHS web site:
http://sc.jeffco.k12.co.us/education/school/school/php?sectionid=317
on the PEAK GT Information Line:
at 303-982-8650
PEAK
High School GT Center
Programming