2. The purpose of the Academically or
Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program is
to provide an appropriately challenging
educational program for students who
perform, or show potential for
performing, at remarkably high levels of
accomplishment…
~from WCPSS 2010-2013 AIG Plan, page 1
3. AIG Program Service Delivery
K-2: Consultation/Collaboration for IDEP students
Grade 2 (Q4)/Grade 3 (Q1): Explorers
Grades 4 & 5: Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction
AG Elective classes
Consultation/Collaboration
Team teaching
Grades 6-8: Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction
Consultation/Collaboration
Small group learning experiences
Grades 9-12
Advanced course selection
4. Explorers Classes
Students who
demonstrate potential in
the activities will receive
enrichment/extension
activities in language
arts and/or math under
the guidance of the AIG
teacher.
Whole group experiences Small group experiences
The AIG teacher works
in partnership with
classroom teachers to
provide a variety of in-
class experiences
designed to elicit high
academic
performance.
6. Explorers Classes
Whole class introductory lessons in the 2nd
grade (Q4)/ 3rd grade (Q1) classroom.
Assessment of student performance and
products
Small group enrichment activities facilitated by
the AIG teacher
Units of study include reading/language
arts, math, and writing
7. Criteria for Small Group Participation
Observational checklists by the AIG and
classroom teachers
Rubrics for the products
Student communication skills
Student interest
Student motivation
Groups are flexible as
units of study change.
9. Explorers Portfolios
• Student work samples
• Products
• Rubrics
• Journals
• Teacher checklists
Portfolios may be a part of the spring AIG
identification process for 3rd grade students.
11. Keeping You Informed…..
• AIG Program Brochure
• Parent informational
meetings
• School/ AIG teacher
website:
www.mrshcallahan.pbworks.com
• Email for questions and
answers: hcallahan@wcpss.net
12. Our goal is to support
classrooms with
educators working
together to help each
student grow and
develop as fully as
possible.
~AIG Explorers Goal
Editor's Notes
Welcome to the Wake County Public School System Academically or Intellectually Gifted Program 3rd Grade Explorers meeting. This model is uniquely designed to recognize, nurture, and develop gifted behaviors in students.
As defined in our 2010-2013 AIG Plan, the purpose of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted Program is to provide an appropriately challenging educational program for students who perform, or show potential for performing, at remarkably high levels of accomplishment.Nurturing gifted behaviors in students is an integral part of the mission of the K-12 AIG Program.
The AIG Program provides a wide variety of services for identified AIG students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. AIG students receive services through a variety of settings; the services are designed to modify, supplement, and build on the academic skills and knowledge attained at all grade levels. Third grade students benefit from the 3rd Grade Explorers lessons provided by the AIG teacher.In grades 4 through 8, the AIG teacher consults and collaborates with classroom teachers. Identified students receive services within the regular classroom setting through appropriate content differentiation. Additionally, some students receive services through resource classes, elective classes, and team teaching as indicated on the AIG School Plan.In high school the student needs are met through challenging courses and various forms of content differentiation.
Throughout the academic year the AIG Teacher works in partnership with all 3rd grade teachers to provide a variety of in-class experiences in language arts,mathematics, and writing designed to elicit high academic performance. Students who demonstrate potential during these in-class experiences receive advanced and enriched learning opportunities in language arts and/or mathematics under the guidance of the AIG Teacher and in collaboration with the classroom teachers. Students in magnet schools participate in elective opportunities. (Discuss options available at your particular magnet school.)
Student groups remain flexible and fluid throughout the school year. Student data collected during the implementation of 3rd Grade Explorers are an integral part of the identification process for 3rd grade students. When we work together to enrich and enhance learning, students thrive.
There are several components of 3rd Grade Explorers.The AIG Teacher leads whole class demonstration lessons within the 3rd grade classroom for all students. Both the AIG and the classroom teacher are present at this time to note student responses and to observe student performance. The AIG and the classroom teachercollaborate to assess individual student performance. Assessments may include rubrics, checklists, teacher conferences, etc. Observational checklists are used to identify students whose responses reflect characteristics of high achieving students for further enrichment. Following the demonstration lessons, the AIG teacher works with small groups of students to provide enrichment activities, offering opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate gifted behaviors. Performance products are collected and used in the AIG nomination and referral process in the spring semester.
The AIG and the classroom teacher use various criteria for participation in small group instruction. Note that these groups are flexible as units of study change.
PLEASE Remember:Your child’s participation in a small group experience does NOT mean that the student has been, or will be, identified for future AIG services. Student work maybe part of their portfolio used in the spring referral and identification process.
Evidence from 3rd Grade Explorers may be considered along with formal and informal indicators for possible AIG nomination and/or referral during the second semester of the third grade year.
At the 3rd grade level, a district-wide effort is made to search out and identify students who qualify for AIG services using both informal and formal data.Teachers collect informal evidence for 3rd grade students as part district-wide nurturing and enrichment efforts.Evidence from 3rd Grade Explorers may be considered with the informal indicators including student learning behaviors, student performance, student interest, and student motivation. Formal indicators such as aptitude and achievement scores from norm referenced tests are also considered for possible AIG nomination during the spring identification window.
The Academically or Intellectually Gifted Program uses many avenues to inform parents and the community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for attending this information session on 3rd Grade Explorers.
