What is best for gifted students is what is best for all students: a spectrum of services that address their varying needs and provide significant differentiation of content, process product and environment in response to these diverse needs. Employing evidence-based programming will enable them to reach their potential.
Accelerated Pace- instruction is telescoped and matched to student need and content standards at their performance level
Significant time is spent with other able learners
Inquiry-based learning addresses issues and concepts
Teachers have strong content knowledge as well as a degree/endorsement in teaching or significant experiences with students who are gifted
Learning responses call for higher levels of thinking, divergent and abstract thinking, and problem-solving
Active, student-based learning focuses on problems, simulations, proof and reasoning
Coherent K-12 curriculum with smooth transitions
Diverse and appropriate materials (matched to the advanced and modified curriculum) need to be accessible
Learning environment supports each student’s social/emotional growth and their ability to self-regulate
Referral from teacher or parent
Checklist of characteristics
Achievement Tests- 4 areas
Tiger Reserve is the full-time option available to students in grades 2,3,4 and 5 from any elementary building. Students must be identified as TAG in order to participate at the elementary level. Students and families electing to join a full-time Tiger Reserve option need to know that students are expected to work hard to develop the following academic behaviors and habits:
be self-motivated and come to class to learn
be willing to work at a faster pace
participate actively in class and do not stop the learning of others
produce quality work complete nightly homework and long term projects
demonstrate an intense desire to be challenged by breadth and depth of course content
Tiger Trek is the send-out option available at the elementary level. Students participate in academic enrichment/extension lessons for a three day block once a month within a multi-age grouping.
Advanced Courses in Middle & High School
How Is Advanced Content Different?
Content, Process, Product & Learning Environment are modified to best meet the needs of these learners. Content may be 1 - 3 years above grade level.