Program+Options

= Elementary Program and Secondary Program = Classroom options, enrichment staffing, other ** Grades 1-3 **

The teacher of the gifted and talented works on varied activities through whole class and small group instruction. At times, students are cycled into groupings based on their strengths and abilities as evidenced by their classroom performance. These groupings are flexible and fluid reflecting children’s growth and learning. Gifted and talented students are clustered in classes from Grades 3-8. Grades 3 & 4 Identified children are ‘pulled out’ of their classrooms once every six day cycle for a lesson with other students from across the grade level. Pull-out eligibility will be based on appropriate data (e.g. OLSAT’s) and evidence of creativity, academic ability and performance. Grade 5 Students identified for services at this grade level are pulled out from class, approximately two times during a six-day cycle. Grades 6-8: Students have the opportunity to work in the Challenge Lab during their quiet study periods. Students are also afforded the opportunity for advanced study in the areas of: Math, Science, Art, Music, and Technology. There are also gifted and talented clusters in all grades and all core content areas.

Gifted & Talented services range from full participation in the regular classroom to pull-out classes for identified students. All the services stress the same key elements:
 * Interact with peers
 * Practice and use higher level thinking skills
 * Encounter new and challenging experiences in the areas of mathematics, language, and problem solving
 * Have the opportunity to develop creativity across many disciplines

WOS

The library media specialist supports students through enriched learning during their library lesson, as well as through the technology program.. An important feature of enrichment is that it enhances students’ general learning experience. In first grade at William O. Schaefer, aspects of the enrichment experience include problem-solving, creative thinking, initiative and self-direction, discovery, higher order thinking, profound personal interest, self-acceptance and the courage to be different. As a springboard for discussion throughout the year, we use literature; word problems, technology, puzzles and mathematical concepts to s strengthen student's global 21st Century skills. A goal of GT services is to continue these practices as much as possible within the everyday classroom. Follow-up activities will be provided for each classroom. It is my hope that with staff support and development the general education classrooms qualitatively differentiated lessons in order for students to become self-directed independent thinkers. In addition the Library Media Specialist, Music and Art teachers are working with consultants this year from Innovative Designs in Education to develop problem based units of study. Grade one students will experience these interdisciplinary problem based units throughout the year. Information gained from this experience will be used to help reach the needs of the students. During the 11-12 School year there will be a .2 Gifted and Talented teacher assigned to WOS to support the gifted/high ability learners and provide staff development for the teachers.

TZE The program is designed to challenge students academically, build critical, integrate technology into the learning process, develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills; foster leadership skills and build metacognitive and reflective personal practices. The gifted and talented teacher provides pull-out and push-in lessons to all 3rd grade identified students, each service occurring once every six day cycle. All second grade classes receive a 40 min. push-in lesson once every other 6 day cycle, per schedule. The gifted and talented teacher works with all teachers in the area of differentiation and introducing instructional models for classroom use (eg. Archaeology Dig, Building Blocks of Society, HEROICS: Adventures in Writing). Additionally, the GT teacher designs and or implements grade level and/or school wide enrichment experiences, such as school wide elections, dramatic presentations, Hands-on mystery challenges, etc. The GT teacher facilitates the identification process (SEE IDENTIFICATION). During the 11-12 school year the gifted and talented program will remain the same as listed above.

CLE The gifted and talented teacher provides pull-out classes to identified G/T students. In addition, the gifted teacher provides differentiation support to cluster teachers (currently grade 4 - math.) School wide enrichment activities are provided to the entire student body i.e. blogs, challenges, contests. Also, the technology and media specialist also provides a plethora of enrichment activities. Math Olympiads and Word Masters are offered as early bird classes for high ability learners. During the 11-12 school year the gifted and talented program will remain the same as listed above.

SOMS. An accelerated math class is available to 6th graders. Students advance to 7th grade math in Grade 6, Pre Algebra in Grade 7 and Regents Integrated Algebra in Grade 8. Additionally there is an Honors Math class in Grade 7 and Grade 8. An accelerated Science class is available to 8th graders; this course is Regents Earth Science. There is also a High School Art class, Studio Art and a High School Technology class, Design and Drawing available to 8th graders. Numerous after school enrichment clubs exist, such as: Math Olympiads, Science Olympiads, Yearbook, Student Government, etc. There are also advanced music groups. There are clusters in all grades and all subjects. The gifted and talented teacher works with the ELA and Social Studies' teachers to support the high ability learner in their classroom. An outside consultant firm, IDE, also supports the SOMS teachers in all content areas to advance differentiation in classroom instruction. Students will be offered the opportunity to participate in a Challenge Lab this year as well as competitions such as Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad and National History Day. There is also a Challenge Lab to help support gifted/high ability learners. During the 11-12 school year there will be an additional .4 G/T certified teacher assigned to SOMS as part of the proposed budget. This is not a new position, it is a reclassification of a former position.

Tappan Zee High School (grades 9-12). Many different course offerings are available at the high school level. There are Honors courses for each curriculum area as well as 14 AP courses. Students have many options for electives. After school enrichment classes and clubs span all areas. There are contests and competitions for students at all levels.