Hillsdale Public Schools Hillsdale,

OVERVIEW OF KNOWLEDGE QUEST PROGRAM

No single trait constitutes giftedness. It is the interaction of above average ability, task commitment, and creativity which are the ingredients for becoming a life long learner. This curriculum incorporates higher level thinking skills, and utilizes the concept of multiple intelligences that will begin to broaden the strengths and interests of these students. They will have the opportunity to become more self-directed through the use of differentiated instruction and problem based learning techniques. The students will be creating connections between existing knowledge and new knowledge through academic realizations and creative pursuits through exploration.

TRAITS OF GIFTED LEARNERS

• Display a great deal of curiosity about many things; is constantly asking questions about anything and everything

• Generate a large number of ideas or solutions to problems and questions: often offers unusual, unique, and clever responses

• Have rapid insight into cause-effect relationships

• Are keen alert observers who have a ready grasp of underlying principles and can quickly make valid generalizations about events, people, or things

• Become absorbed and truly involved in certain topics and need little external motivation to follow through in their work

• Assume responsibility and have high expectations for self and others

• Exhibit creative expression and does not fear being different

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

I To provide the opportunity for cooperative learning. Students will be able to:

A recognize the strengths of others

B solve problems within groups which enables students to share information

C improve their communication and social skills

D develop an attitude of personal and social responsibility

II To help students become interactive learners the teacher will incorporate the:

A use of hands-on materials

B use of interactive computer programs and multimedia tools

III To allow students to progress at their own rate with a more “in 1 depth” approach to the learning process the teacher will:

B employ a variety of teaching models

C use rubrics to assess individual and group achievement

D provide students with a variety of materials for use in hands-on activities

E build on students’ strengths through multiple intelligence instruction

IV To target activities that incorporate higher levels of thinking skills including these and/or other additional skills:

A Evaluating B problem solving C organizing information D interpreting E predicting F estimating G discussing/verbalizing H analyzing I synthesizing

V To encourage students to become risk takers in order to develop their talents and strengths activities will be created to:

A develop emotional as well as academic growth

B encourage students to be active learners by asking questions and seeking answers

VI To develop research skills students will:

A use a variety of resources such as print and computer programs

B evaluate outcomes through specific criteria

C create student projects or displays

VII To provide an opportunity for students to become involved with the use of technology the teacher will:

A develop interactive activities

B use a multisensory teaching approach

C incorporate problem solving strategies

D create opportunities for the students to use computers as a tool in learning both individually and in cooperative groups

E formulate learning activities to engage students in research

IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION / FIRST – FOURTH GRADE

The selection process is geared towards locating those students in grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 who would benefit from a gifted program. The students will participate in a pull-out program and each grade will meet for one hour each week.

The selection process for the Knowledge Quest Program will differ in each grade. Various assessments will be used to identify candidates in the Knowledge Quest Program. Each student is reevaluated in September.

First Grade:

• Teacher recommendation by the and First Grade teachers • Evaluation of Kindergarten portfolio • Review of final Kindergarten report card/assessments

Second Grade

• Teacher recommendation by the First and Second grade teachers • Evaluation of First Grade portfolio • Review of final First Grade report card/assessments • IQ Score (Minimum of 125)

Third Grade:

• Teacher recommendation • Review of final Second Grade report card/assessments • IQ Score (Minimum of 125)

Fourth Grade:

• Teacher recommendation • Review of final Third Grade report card/assessments • IQ Score (Minimum of 125)

These scores will be compiled on a Weighted Identification Scale giving students a chance to excel in different areas of the selection criteria. Students will be accepted into the program if their composite score meets the minimum requirement for their grade level. *no outside testing will be accepted

IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION / FIFTH - EIGHTH GRADE

Students will be evaluated upon entering fifth grade and remain in the program until the end of sixth grade. Students will then be reevaluated upon entering seventh grade. Teachers may nominate students for the program at the conclusion of the school year. Nominations will be reviewed the following September.

Fifth/Sixth Grade:

• Teacher Recommendations/ Teacher Rating Scale • Ask – 4/5 test results – Language Arts Literacy & Math - Advanced Proficiency • IQ Score (Minimum 128)

Seventh/Eighth Grade:

• Teacher Recommendations/ Teacher Rating Scale • Ask – 6/7 test results – Language Arts Literacy & Math – Advanced Proficiency • Final Report Card Grades – In Major Academic Subjects • IQ Score (Minimum 128)

These scores will be compiled on a Weighted Identification Scale giving students a chance to excel in different areas of the selection criteria. Students will be accepted into the program if their composite score meets the minimum requirement for their grade level. *no outside testing will be accepted

SELECTION COMMITTEE/ FIRST – EIGHTH GRADE

A selection committee will be created in each school to evaluate students for the Knowledge Quest Program. This committee will be chosen through grade level meetings at the beginning of the school year. Committee members will serve for a minimum of two years and will meet in the fall to evaluate candidates.

The selection committee will consist of the following: • One teacher from each grade level • Administrator • Knowledge Quest Teacher • Special Area Teacher • Guidance Counselor

The selection committee will analyze and review student data. All students who meet the requisite score for their grade level will be invited to join the Knowledge Quest Program. A letter explaining the selection process, along with a permission slip, will be sent home for the parents/guardians to review and discuss. The Knowledge Quest Program will begin upon the receipt of signed permission slips.

INSTRUCTIONAL THEMES & PROJECTS

First through Fourth Grade

Themes which may be investigated in the grade one through four program include, but are not limited to the following: • Architecture • Solar System • Inventions • Endangered Animals • Ocean Life • Environment • Travel • Insects

Fifth through Eighth Grade

Themes which may be investigated in the grade five through eight program include, but are not limited to the following: • Civil Rights • Endangered Animals • Environmental Issues • Stock Market • The Law & Court System • Government • Architecture/Design • Literature • Travel • Economics/Marketing • Space • Consumer Education

TRANSFER/NEW STUDENTS

When the student is identified as gifted by a previous and transfers into our district, the student’s records shall be reviewed by the selection committee to determine if the student meets the criteria for our program. If the student meets the criteria, the parents will be notified.

FURLOUGH

Students who are unable to maintain satisfactory performance within the structure of the Knowledge Quest Program may be placed on furlough by the teacher or principal. A student may be furloughed for a period of time deemed appropriate by the Selection Committee. At the end of the furlough, the student’s progress shall be reassessed and the student may reenter the Gifted Program, or be removed from the program.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Students are expected to attend all of their scheduled Knowledge Quest classes unless they are absent from school.

• Each student must be an active participant in all class activities and behave in an appropriate manner.

• At times, a child’s participation in class depends on the completion of his/her homework. Assignments are designed to develop higher order thinking skills and are used as an essential part of the Knowledge Quest class activities. These assignments are considered to be as important as the homework a child receives in the regular classroom setting.

• Upon returning to the regular classroom, each child is required to speak with the subject teachers, asking what work was covered during his/her absence and what the homework will be.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Ms. Kristen Conroy Ms. Anisa Ouheish K – 4 Knowledge Quest Teacher 5 – 8 Knowledge Quest Teacher

Meadowbrook School George White School 1-201-664-8088 1-201-664-0286

Ann Blanche Smith School [email protected] 1-201-664-1188 [email protected]