Gifted and Talented Programming
Frequently Asked Questions
Parent input is essential for meeting each student’s needs and helping each student reach higher levels of accomplishment. The following set of questions and answers is designed to answer some frequently asked questions about gifted and talented services.
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Parents should initially contact the classroom teacher with questions regarding gifted and talented services, differentiation and next steps. At the elementary level, the teacher will then consult with the GT Support Specialist when appropriate, and at the secondary level the designated school counselor should be contacted. If additional assessments are warranted, parents will be contacted for permission. The GT Support Specialist (elementary) or school counselor (secondary) will assess and identify gifted and talented programming needs. At all levels, the results of the testing regarding gifted and talented services will be communicated to parents through a meeting, phone call or letter. At all levels, parents are invited in for an initial identification meeting and will have opportunities to learn about their students Advanced Learner Plans (ALP) either through meetings or by mail.
It is never too late to contact your child’s teacher about your child’s educational needs. While conference time may be convenient, you may also call, e-mail, or ask your child’s teacher for a meeting at other times during the year.
Parents should speak with their child’s classroom teacher regarding gifted and talented services.
Parents of elementary students will receive an Advanced Learning Plan during Parent/Teacher Conferences or through the mail. At the middle school level a GT Middle School Programming Model Checklist is mailed home with semester report cards.
Students come to school with varying levels of readiness to learn, different ways in which they learn best, and a wide range of interests. Differentiating instruction means that a teacher recognizes those differences and makes modifications in order to help each child make continuous progress.
Differentiation is designed to occur in all subjects and at all grade levels throughout the entire school year. In many cases, a child is not aware that adaptations have been made to meet his or her needs. Parents are encouraged to ask their child and/or their child’s teacher about classroom assignments, groupings, projects, and opportunities.
At the elementary level, the points of contact (in order) are your child’s classroom teacher, the school’s designated GT Support Specialist, and the principal. At the middle school and high school, the first point of contact is the classroom teacher. Further points of contact at the middle and high school levels include the District Teacher Leader (gifted and talented programming) and the school counselor (gifted and talented identification). If a parent has further questions, s/he may contact the district’s Gifted and Advanced Learner Education Coordinator.
Communication among parents, students, and teachers is essential for parents to learn about programming opportunities. Parents should ask the teacher if they are unsure of the differentiated opportunities being provided to their child.
When possible, it’s always best to have an ongoing relationship with your child’s teacher. Feel free to write a brief letter or email that introduces your child and describes his or her perceived needs to the teacher before the school year begins. At your child’s conference, share what your child enjoys about school and share your insights about your child. Present yourself as a supportive parent who recognizes the teacher’s efforts to meet all students’ needs. If possible, remember to offer to help the teacher in some way. The following questions for teachers may help you obtain more in-depth information about your child.
- What do you see as my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
- If my child already has a solid grasp of the subject matter in a class, what additional opportunities are available? Does s/he take advantage of the opportunities?
- If my child has a great deal of prior knowledge in a unit/theme, is there a way s/he can be given other options to broaden his/her knowledge base or move ahead into more complex subject matter? (curriculum compacting, contracting, etc.)
- How can I help my child at home?
Information sheets listing extracurricular activities and clubs are generally available at schools during registration prior to the start of the school year. The Cedarburg School District also supports a wide range of activities for all students such as spelling bees, academic competitions (reading, writing, math, etc.), Forensics, Destination Imagination, clubs, and other competitions. Students are encouraged to explore and develop their interests. These activities come to students through many avenues including parents, teachers, schools, or the district. Families are also encouraged to explore activities offered by outside organizations such as the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth.
- Cedarburg School District Website: Please visit the Gifted and Talented web page found on the Cedarburg School District Website (www.Cedarburga.k12.wi.us) for information related to gifted & talented education and a list of contacts for each school.
- Cedarburg School District Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee: This district committee meets periodically throughout the school year to provide guidance and support for the district gifted and talented program. The committee is composed of parents, teachers, school counselors, Gifted Support Specialists, District Teacher Leaders, or administrators. For more information about this committee, you may contact the Director of Student Services at 262-376-6142.
- Cedarburg School District Advanced Learners Parent Network: The purpose of the Advanced Learners Parent Network is to provide a forum in which parents can receive and share information about services and activities for high-achieving students and to ensure that parents have an organized voice in the district. All parents in the school district are welcome to attend. Meeting dates and topics can be found on the district GT webpage.
- CESA 1 Page (Partners for the Advancement of Gifted Education): The Cedarburg School District maintains a membership in CESA #1 PAGE, a group of parents and educators in southeast Wisconsin working together to share information about gifted and talented education and provide programs and resources to parents and students. Information about PAGE programs are distributed to parents throughout the year. PAGE has also provided books on gifted and talented education which are available through the Cedarburg Public Library and the inter-library loan system. Visit the district GT webpage for a link to the list of available books.
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