gifted and talented program berkeley heights public schools grades 4 & 5
TRANSCRIPT
QUESTQuestioning, Understanding,
Examining,Solving and Thinking
Gifted and Talented ProgramBerkeley Heights Public Schools
Grades 4 & 5
How can you cut this cake 3 times and end up with 8 equal slices??
QUEST Enrichment Curriculum Grades 4 & 5 Vision
StatementThe vision of the grade 4 and 5 QUEST Enrichment instruction is based on the research that giftedness is not an endowment of nature, but rather a dynamic interaction of intelligence, creativity, and task commitment. Students who meet the criteria for acceptance into the program will acquire skills and understanding while researching topics that extend beyond the grade level curriculum. Students will be challenged to apply higher level cognitive skills in both a collaborative and independent setting to experience the world around them.
“The term ‘gifted and talented’, when used with respect to students, children, or youth, means students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.” (Title IX, Part A, Section 9101(22), p. 544)
Giftedness Definition
In summary, gifted children are a population who have different educational needs, thanks to their unique intellectual
development. The gifted population represents about 8% of a given population.
QUEST Enrichment Curriculum Grades 4 & 5
Mission StatementTo achieve this vision for grades 4 and 5 QUEST enrichment, the teacher will:
foster an environment that applies the principles of brainstorming, collaboration, and independent learning.
present content that is broad based and integrates multiple disciplines.
address the various learning styles and multiple intelligences of the students.
design independent and self-directed activities and study skills. incorporate logic, reasoning, and problem solving skills to
respond to situations/events. develop experiences for the students to utilize analysis,
synthesis, and evaluative skills.
provide instruction in media and technology to enhance presentation of final product.
incorporate research, oral, and written skills and activities to communicate thoughts, outcomes, and understanding on topics of discovery.
encourage thinking to produce new ideas/techniques/products which look at a situation from different perspectives.
encourage an understanding of one’s strengths and areas of growth in order to direct how to proceed to meet expected end.
evaluate the student’s process and outcome using various performance and authentic assessments which may include rubrics, checklist, self-reflections, and standardized instruments.
Mission Statement
Reasons Well (good thinker)
Intense Has a great sense of humor
Learns rapidly Morally sensitive Early or avid reader
Has extensive vocabulary
Has strong curiosity Concerned with justice, fairness
Has a long attention span (if interested)
Perseverant in their interests
Judgment mature for age at times
Sensitive (feelings hurt easily)
Has high degree of energy
Is a keen observer
Shows compassion Prefers older companions or adults
Has a vivid imagination
Perfectionist Has a wide range of interests
Is highly creative
Tends to question authority
Has facility with numbers
Good at jigsaw puzzles
Giftedness Characteristics
• Gifted children will produce more. • Gifted children learn all subjects easily. • Gifted children have strengths across the curriculum. • Gifted children will learn on their own. • Gifted education means more work. • Everything comes easy for gifted children. • It is easy to identify gifted students.
What Are Some Misconceptions of Gifted Education?
The revised selection criteria is as follows:
1. Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) ◦ Local stanine of 8 or 9 in Verbal, Quantitative, and/or Non-Verbal sections ◦ 130+ = 3 points◦ 120-129 = 2 points◦ 115-119 = 1 point
2. Classroom Grades: Reading/Writing/Math◦ A+, A, or S = 2 points◦ A-, or D = 1 point
3. Teacher recommendations◦ 18 points
QUEST Student Selection Criteria
Maximum score possible = 36 pointsTop 8-10%
Behavior Often Sometimes Seldom Never
1. Learns quickly and easily 3 2 1 0 2. Has a broad foundation of knowledge
3 2 1 0
3. Uses higher level thinking skills and reasons well in problem-solving
3 2 1 0
4. Demonstrates ability to clearly express ideas in writing
3 2 1 0
5. Demonstrates ability to clearly express ideas verbally
3 2 1 0
6. Works independently 3 2 1 0 7. Shows initiative, high level of interest, enthusiasm
3 2 1 0
8. Sets and achieves high self- expectations, self-starter, perseverance
3 2 1 0
9. Exceptional organizational skills
3 2 1 0
10. Demonstrates appropriate attitude and behaviors
3 2 1 0
11. Creativity, originality of thought
12. Top 10% of class- this would include high levels of abstract thinking, verbal and numerical reasoning, spatial relations, memory, word fluency, and rapid accurate and selective retrieval of information.
Total Points Earned: 36 Total Score: (total points / 2) 18
Teacher Recommendation Form-QUEST
Our curriculum stimulates creativity, higher order thinking skills, and problem solving. It includes a diverse array of topics, including, but not limited to:
Independent Research Project Critical Thinking Skills Communication/Presentation Skills Vocabulary Building Brain Teasers Interview Skills Research Skills Technology Skills
QUEST Grade 4&5 Curriculum
• Teacher observation• Successful completion of projects/activities designed to
extend the curriculum• Participation in group activities• Participation in class discussion• Journal entries / Weekly work log• Completion of homework as assigned by the teacher• Formative assessment• Summative assessment• Self – evaluation
Student Evaluation
Progress Reports 2X per year
The program commences the week of September 14th
Mountain Park (Mr. Morisseau)Wednesday 10:05-11:35 Grade 4 & 5
Thomas P. Hughes (Mrs. Nardi)Tuesday 10:10-11:40 Grade 5Tuesday 1:15-2:45 Grade 4
William Woodruff (Miss Gasparini)Monday 8:40-10:10 Grade 4Monday 10:10-11:40 Grade 5
Please see your school Principal for specific schedule questions
QUEST Program Schedule
Students must make-up missed classroom work
Students must complete any homework and/or research at home assigned from QUEST class
QUEST Student Expectations
• Listen to your gifted child and engage in frequent conversations.
• Encourage goals set by the child. • Foster independence and decision making.• Help your child with the need for perfectionism. • Support your child’s interests. • Allow your child the time to discover, to daydream, to contemplate, to create, and to have fun!
Suggestions for Parents
How can you cut this cake 3 times and end up with 8 equal slices??
National Association for Gifted Children
The NAGC is a national resource organization for teachers and parents of gifted children.
National Research Center for the Gifted and Talented
This center is directed by Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli of the University of Connecticut.
National Society for the Gifted and Talented
Advance the development of gifted, talented, and high potential youth, in the United States and abroad, through opportunities, advocacy, and exemplary programs and practices.
Hoagies
Resources, articles, books and links to help and support parents, teachers, and gifted children.
Creative Learning Press
Provides books, materials, and other resources for educators working with gifted or specially talented students.
Internet Resources
