Extended Studies Program (Gifted and Talented)

2 months ago

“Gifted and talented” children refers to those children in grades K-12 who have the potential to excel beyond their age peers in the regular school program. These students may receive specialized instruction to broaden their critical thinking, reading, writing, mathematical and problem-solving skills in one or more of the following categories:

  • Intellectual Ability as demonstrated by significant achievement, or potential for significant achievement, above their age peers in one or more academic areas;
  • Artistic Ability as demonstrated by significant achievement, or potential for significant achievement, above their age peers in the performing and/or visual arts.

Program Description

In Lake Region schools, gifted and talented students are serviced through the Extended Studies Program. The Extended Studies Program follows the District curriculum guidelines. The curriculum is extended for students by eliminating the repetition of previously mastered material, upgrading the challenge level of the regular curriculum, and providing the opportunity for appropriate enrichment and acceleration activities as well as ensuring mastery of basic skills.

The program also focuses on the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students and helps them in relating to and functioning successfully with both age and intellectual peers.

The Extended Studies Program provides classroom teachers with the resources and consultation necessary to meet the needs of gifted students in the regular classroom.

Student Outcomes

  • Recognizes their unique abilities as a gifted individual while becoming self-directed.

  • Works at their own level and pace beyond traditional age and or grade parameters.

  • Works in-depth with self-selected topics in an area of study with emphasis on advanced research skills and methods beyond traditional and or grade parameters.

  • Develops and extends complex, abstract, and higher-level thinking skills beyond traditional and or grade parameters.

  • Develops products that challenge ideas and produce new ideas.


Extended Studies Department

Dr. Patricia Hayden Extended Studies Coordinator Lake Region School District 900 Portland Road Bridgton, Maine 04009 (207) 649-3048

Sarah Bilodeau Songo Locks Elementary School

Crooked River Elementary School

Laura Gurley-Mozie Stevens Brook Elementary School

Lake Region High School

Brigitte Morse Lake Region Middle School

K-12 Visual and Performing Arts

The Lake Region School District is mandated by the State to accommodate the needs of students who excel in the Visual and Performing Arts. Referrals are accepted from school staff, parents and individual students. Nominated students will participate in an identification process culminating in an audition for music (voice or instrumental) and dance or a portfolio review for art. Identified students have the option to participate in an independent study in any of the specialties.

Identification and Screening

K-3 Students in Grades K-3 are provided enrichment opportunities in the classroom by the classroom teacher and the Extended Studies teacher. The Extended Studies teacher also provides consultation for K-3 teachers for additional enrichment opportunities based on teacher and student needs. Additional parent resources will be provided upon request.

Grades 3-5 Prior to April 1st, classroom grade 3 teachers, parents, or child submit referrals for the Extended Studies Program. Referral forms indicate why a student should be considered for the program and are supported by additional evidence which includes behavioral rating forms and checklists, Jan Richardson scores, NWEA scores, state-mandated tests, documentation of student work showing gifted characteristics and other relevant information. Please contact the Extended Studies Specialist for forms or more information. Extended Studies staff will administer testing before May 25th.

The following tests will be administered: Cognitive Abilities Test (CoGAT) and Slosson. The following criteria will be considered to determine identification: 96, 97, 98, 99 percentile Slosson 93-99 percentile CoGAT Consistent high ratings on the Learning, Motivation, and Creativity Rating Scales

The Extended Studies Identification Committee will meet and formalize identification of eligible students for the program. Parents, teachers, and students will be notified before the end of the academic school year. An Individual Learning Plan will be developed, and services will begin in September. At the end of each year, the Extended Studies Committee will meet to re-evaluate the academic services and social needs of each student. An appeal of an identification decision may be referred in writing to the Extended Studies Identification Committee.
New referrals will not be accepted after March 17 (exception - any new student entering the school during the academic year.) At the time of registration, the Extended Studies Specialist will review the student’s file and determine if testing or services are necessary.

5th Grade Transitional screening for exiting grade 5 students will begin in April for middle school placement purposes. The Extended Studies Specialists will review the following: State Tests and NWEA scores Rating scales Jan Richardson scores. Current Grades Teacher recommendations The top 3-5% on CoGAT and Slosson

Grades 6-8 New referrals from staff for grades 6 - 8 students must be made by March 17. New referrals will not be accepted after that date except in the case of a new student registering during the academic year. At the time of registration, the Extended Studies Specialist will review the student’s file and determine if testing or services are necessary. In May of each year, students’ academic performance will be reviewed to determine placement for the upcoming year.

Grades 3-12 At the end of each year, the Extended Studies Committee will meet to re-evaluate the academic services and social needs of each student.

Curriculum and Extended Studies Resources

2 months ago

K-5 Program Options

Enrichment (teacher consult) K-3

Small group enrichment instruction 4-5

Differentiation of curriculum (teacher consult)

Single-subject differentiation

Individual academic instruction

Individual social and emotional support

Single subject acceleration  

Full grade acceleration (District policy)


K-5 Curriculum Options

Junior Great Books

Literature Groups    

Hands-On Equations

Higher Level Thinking Activities

Computer-Based Instruction 

Research Projects

Independent Investigation Art

Independent Investigation Music

3D Design and Printing 


Other recommended resources

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Hoagies Gifted Education Page

Supporting Educational Needs of the Gifted (SENG)

Free Rice

Khan Academy

BrainPop

Mensa for Kids

Tinkercad


6-8 Program Options

Differentiation of curriculum (teacher consult)

Curriculum Compacting and Independent Studies/Projects

Extended Studies Math Classes - Grades 7, and 8

Extended Studies English Language Arts Classes - Grades 7 and 8

English Language Arts and Math Enrichment - Grade 6

Self-paced Online Curricular Options

Full grade acceleration (District policy)


6-8 Math and Language Arts Curriculum

enVision Math - Pearson SuccessNet

Connected Mathematics

S.T.E.M.

Mathlight

NextGen Personal Finance

Project-Based Learning

Contemporary and Classic Literature Studies

Technology-Based Reading and Writing Projects


9-12 Program Options (Consultant Model)

AP courses: European History, U.S. Government, U.S. History, Psychology, English Literature, Calculus, Honors Statistics

College courses available from St. Joseph's, SMCC, CMCC, UMaine Academy (ACADEM-E)