Summer is a good time to reflect on the year past and to analyze what we need to do the gifted students we serve.
I have to say congratulations to the 8th grade class moving to the high school next year. They were so much fun, talented and such fantastic workers that they made it a pleasure to teach. So, to Katie, Travis, Jessica, Austin, Sydney, Adam, Kelsey, Bryce, Caleb, Shaylen, Emma, Logan and Emily: Be proud of a job well done and the high school will be a better place for your contributions. I don't think we always remember to compliment the students who do try to fulfill their responsibilities and they need the positive reinforcement as much as any other student.
It is easy to assume that the capable students do not need as much from the school as other students, but we really need to make a concerted effort to engage and challenge these students. As the world changes so rapidly, it is one way the U.S. will be able to relate to and compete with other countries. These students are part of our best and greatest hope and we have to be active in demanding what is part of the new Iowa Core Curriculum - and that is rigor and relevance in all our subjects. Do not doubt that students in a gifted program are aware of when they are really working in a subject areas, and when there is care and planning in preparing their lessons. I know that there are days when it is hard to plan the perfect lesson, but I intend to try every day to make the program for these students meaningful and productive. We do not want frustration with the educational system to alienate our best and brightest just when they are going to be so sorely needed.
I know this summer I need to work on reorganizing pars of the Reading class, evaluating the effectiveness of Reading Logs, writing out and planning the whole books for each class, for example. The sixth grade class this year read eight books as a class along with other short stories, plays and readings in the "Read" magazine, and were an engaged and vibrant class - great discussions and real involvement. Should be a fun group next year, also. I will be reading the books this summer we can focus on next year and trying to pick those I think they can relate to in some way.
The gifted students flourish when they have some time when they are with their intellectual peers. It doesn't have to be all the time, but there needs to be some time, so I try to provide that . It has to vary according to grade level as some students have more accessible time, but we can be flexible with that. Also, student programs can vary. Some students may be in a Reading group, some in a Math group and some may have individual programs as well. Acceleration is the answer in some cases, there may be advancement of grades, or students may just need enrichment. All of those programming options are used in Creston.
That is some information on the program, but I know soon I need to go over materials from the year and start planning ahead.
More later.