RSU14 Program Descriptions

RSU14 - Windham Raymond Schools

Gifted and Talented Program

Program Descriptions

1.     The Enrichment Program at Windham Primary School

Because we are progressing toward a proficiency-based model of teaching and learning, our Enrichment Program reflects our mission to ensure that all students achieve at their highest level.   By striving to target our instruction to meet what each of our learners need, we closely look at which students will benefit from Enrichment support.

What is the model of delivering Enrichment instruction?

This program features a weekly “pull-out” class (organized by House) for literacy or math.  Students qualify for this service based on data, student performance in the classroom, and teacher recommendation.  Some examples of how this may look like include: book club, math group, writing workshop.

This program also includes a “push-in” weekly to all grades 2, 3, 2/3 PLC’s to support what students are currently learning as they move through the learning targets.  Some examples of what this may look like include: extension activities, independent research, word study, blogging, project-based learning.

How does this benefit students at WPS?

The Enrichment Teacher can support our highest achieving students as they progress more rapidly through the curriculum. This structure can offer more continual learning for all students - especially those who quickly meet the learning targets.

2.     Reach Program at Manchester School

The Manchester School is committed to challenging all students at their level of ability. Manchester offers direct services to students who have been identified as academically talented in the areas of language arts and math. Identified fourth and fifth grade students meet daily with a gifted education specialist. The language arts sessions include literature discussion, writing workshops, vocabulary development, higher order thinking skills and projects. Students are required to read challenging materials.

A fourth grade math group also meets daily. The program develops mastery of basic skills, problem solving, logic, probability, geometry, the history of math and introductory algebra. Special emphasis is placed on thinking processes and the application of math concepts. Identified fifth grade students receive instruction in sixth grade math. Consultation services are available to all teachers from the gifted education specialist.

3.     Gifted and Talented Program at Windham Middle School.

English Language Arts –

English Language Arts is a pull out class for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students.  It is our goal that each student makes progress towards mastery of our essential learning targets.  The Language Arts curriculum is differentiated appropriately to meet the needs of the gifted population. Students work on all aspects of a balanced literacy program; reading, writing, language, listening, and speaking.   Discussions are an important part of each class as students work to share ideas, support, and challenge each other. Gifted students are capable of thinking deeply and are dedicated to learning, so differentiating the content could include challenging them with texts, guiding them to focus on trends, patterns, and themes, providing open ended problems with many possible solutions, and tapping into students’ interests and natural curiosities for research ideas.  Offering choice, using guiding questions, critical thinking, and creativity are all important foundations of English Language Arts for gifted learners.

Students who are having trouble meeting standards in any gifted class may be referred to a regular language arts class.  All changes in placement are made after careful consideration and conversations with parents and students.

Math –

Identified sixth grade students take Pre-algebra, seventh grade students take Algebra, and eighth grade students take Geometry.

Entry into Pre-algebra and Algebra can be fluid as teachers work to place students in the appropriate course based on their math abilities and needs.  Students who are having trouble meeting standards in any math class may be referred to a more appropriate math class based on ability. All changes in placement are made after careful consideration and conversations with parents and students.

Windham High School

Gifted and Talented students generally will take honors and Advanced Placement courses at the high school level where they will continue to be challenged appropriately. The Gifted/Talented coordinator continues to monitor their progress their high school years.