This document provides an update on Durham Public Schools' Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program. It outlines the program's goals of improving identification procedures, differentiated curriculum and instruction, professional development, comprehensive programming, partnerships, and accountability. Standardized test data shows an increase in the number of gifted students identified between 2006-2011. The update also provides resources for teachers and highlights opportunities to nurture gifted students at W.G. Pearson Middle School.

1. Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program Update Beth Cross Director Advanced Academics Elizabeth.Cross@dpsnc.net 919.560.2029 1 September , 2011 Kimberly Macdonald AIG Facilitator W. G. Pearson Middle School Kimberly.Macdonald@dpsnc.net 919.560.2208

3. July 2007 Board of Education approval

4. 2007-2010 Objectives completed

5. July 2009 AIG Program Standards approved by State Board of Education

6. 2010-2013 AIG Plan aligned with state Standards2

7. System-wide Goals for AIG 2010-2013 K-2 Nurturing Program Communication Acceleration Professional Development 3

9. Create a presentation kit for K-12 Principals, AIG staff, and Counselors for communication with faculty/staff, students and parents. (completed)

10. Develop a plan to increase underrepresented populations of gifted learners. (ongoing)

11. Nurture all K-2 students through an explicit program. (13/30 schools have begun USTARS-Plus)

12. Research and implement proven identification procedures for highly gifted learners. (not completed)4

13. AIG Child Count 2006-2011 5

14. Standard 2: Differentiated Curriculum & Instruction Develop Durham’s Educational Portal Online Tool with video clips, differentiated curriculum units, and tools for teachers to use with gifted and advanced learners. (ongoing) Partner with Education Technology and Media Services to provide training on tools and processes that will enhance instruction and engage learners. (ongoing) Investigate the addition of enrichment opportunities during the school day. (ongoing) Nurture all K-2 students through an explicit program. (13/30 schools have begun USTARS-Plus implementation) 6

16. Empower school-based facilitators/teachers to design and deliver face-to-face and online modules for characteristics of gifted learners, social/emotional needs, acceleration, higher level thinking and questioning. (ongoing)

17. Continue Professional Learning Communities for AIG to plan, implement, and refine effective teaching practices aligned with district goals. (completed and ongoing)

18. Continue commitment of training teachers of Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-AP. (planning)7

19. Standard 4: Comprehensive Programming within Total School Community Increase collaboration of teachers of gifted and school staff through the development of communication tools such as presentation toolkit, updated website, and DEPOT resources to ensure systemic communication of the AIG Program. (ongoing) Update and distribute procedures for all AIG processes to AIG Facilitators and Principals. (updates July 2010, 2011, 2012) Establish district acceleration guidelines through implementation of the Iowa Acceleration Scale as a placement option for highly gifted learners. (completed) 8

21. Establish AIG Steering Committee to develop, implement, and monitor the DPS AIG Plan 2010-2013. (completed)9

23. Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups of all stakeholders to inform program improvement. (May ‘11)

24. Implement a feedback link on the Advanced Academics website for ongoing communication. (completed)

25. Produce and publicly disseminate an annual report on the achievement and participation of both AIG and other students in rigorous academic opportunities. (yearly)10

27. I.3.2 Implement Pre-AP strategies Aug ‘12

28. I.3.3 Implement Pre-AP and AP Summer Camp Apr ‘12

29. I.3.4 Explore research-proven AP strategies Apr ‘11

30. I.3.5 Develop and implement professional development for SAT/ACT Aug ’12

31. I.3.6 Explore and Expand Partnerships Dec ‘11

32. I.3.7 Explore Study Abroad Opportunities Aug ‘11

33. I.3.8 Evaluate gifted education procedures and employ nurturing systems Aug ‘1111

35. Duke Talent Identification Program www.tip.duke.edu

36. NC Association of Gifted and Talented – www.ncagt.org

37. National Association of Gifted Children – www.nagc.org

38. Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted – www.sengifted.org

39. NC AIG Program Standards- http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/academicservices/gifted/aig-program-standards.pdf12

41. Quarterly Principal Newsletter, School Website & CONNECTED for Announcements

42. Spelling Bee

43. Battle of the Books & Book Clubs

44. Math competitions

45. Yearbook

46. Student Council Leadership/Community Service

47. NJHS for 8th Graders

48. Duke TIP

49. Theater Club, Show Choir, Band & Orchestra Performances

50. Robotics in Afterschool13

51. Questions? 14