1	EXPLORE An Academic Enrichment Program For Students in Grades 2-6 May 24, 2007
2	Advisory Committee Renee Carpenter-Elementary Principal Joseph Mack-Middle School Principal Timothy Ryan-Academic Enrichment Teacher Michele Reakes-2^nd grade teacher Trish Diaz-3^rd grade teacher Heidi McMahon-4^th grade teacher Lisa Allen-2^nd grade AIS teacher Pam Maroney-5^th grade teacher
3	Rational for Revisions of Program Request from BOE to review program- Overview of AE program prior to revisions- How are students placed in the AE program?
4	Mission Statement The Cincinnatus Central School District places high priority on its Academic Enrichment Program. The District’s instructional programs for high achieving students are based on the principles that all students are to receive an education appropriate to their individual capabilities, interests, needs, and that students have learning opportunities that develop their abilities to the highest level.
5	What is Giftedness? Chapter 740 of the Laws of 1982, Article 90 defines gifted pupils as “those pupils who show evidence of high performance capability and exceptional potential in areas such as general intellectual ability, special academic aptitude and outstanding ability in visual and performing arts.”
6	Giftedness cont’d Gifted children appear to interact to a high degree, making possible a favorable prediction as to future achievement in a range of excellence. Such children appear to possess the potential for adult unique productivity in specific interests and would seem in need of special services in order in order to enhance the opportunities for such behaviors to emerge.
7	Program Goals To broaden interest areas and allow students to pursue special interests, abilities and talents. To provide research and problem solving skills to encourage and enable students to become responsible and independent learners. To encourage appropriate curriculum for each student. To develop critical and creative thinking skills to the greatest extent possible in each individual. To encourage students to critically examine their own thinking process and to foster affective social and emotional development.
8	Selection Criteria Students for the explore program will be recommended the previous May by their grade level teacher. Students can also be screened as needed throughout the year. Multiple measures are used to identify students in need of gifted services provided by the Explore Program.
9	Selection Criteria cont’d In order to be considered for enrollment in the Explore Program, students must score in the top range of their grade level based on the following requirements: Teacher Recommendation Report Card NYS ELA, MATH, SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES assessments Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, 8^th Edition, (assesses verbal and non-verbal reasoning) Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences Scale
10	Expectations for Students Be prepared and ready to work Have a positive attitude Be enthusiastic about learning Contribute to group activities and discussions Demonstrate appropriate social behavior Be an independent learner Demonstrate persistence in completing tasks Keep up with all assignments and show positive attitude in the regular classroom Uphold the District’s Code of Conduct
11	Program Format Module I: October – December What’s in it? ( Science) Module II: January-March Threads to the Past. ( History) Module III: April-June As the Story Goes ( Fine Arts)
12	Reflections on Year 1 Teachers… Students… Parent feedback… Assessments/Projects…
13	Research "All individuals have strengths relative to their other capabilities; some individuals have exceptional abilities relative to most other people..." Working Party Report, Nov 2001
14	Research Children in the top percent of the population have atypical developmental patterns and require differentiated instruction- How many of our children or students fit the definition of gifted? It is no good simply priding ourselves on detective skills...what are we going to do about helping these individuals?
15	THE END