Talent Development Initiative:Cate Reed

Allison McCarthy

Education CommitteeFebruary 8th, 2011

Talent Development Initiative

Expanded access to the Centers for Advanced Study (CAS) program

Improvement to the quality of the program for our highest achieving secondary students

• Teacher training• Curriculum development• Greater student diversity

Gifted and Talented

No child should be denied access to a class that is appropriately challenging and rigorous,

in which they can be successful.

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Talent Development Initiative

We propose implementation of a Talent Development Initiative at Brashear, Perry and Langley in the 11-12 School Year.

Gifted and Talented

• Be identified as gifted

• Demonstrate high achievement through meeting rigorous course requirements for a specific content area (Math, English, Science, Social Studies, World Language)

This criteria is attached to your PPT for review. 2

Not a One Size Fits All Model:

• This program may not look exactly the same at all of our high schools, as they have varying needs.

Next year, at Brashear, Perry and Langley:

Gifted and Talented

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Grade Level Courses for Gifted, HA Students

9th and 10th Grade

CAS Courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, World Language(courses based on numbers of qualifying students)

11th and 12th Grade

AP Courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, World Language(courses based on numbers of qualifying students)

This is a reduction of only 3 CAS classes at the 11th and 12th grades. Schools will increase the numbers of AP classes at these levels based on qualified students and interest.

What we believe will happen as a result:

• We will increase access and improve the quality of the CAS program

• High performing and gifted students will have the opportunity to enroll in appropriately rigorous and accelerated classes through the CAS curriculum.

• The CAS program will exist for high achieving students at more of our high schools

Gifted and Talented

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An Example:

Gifted and Talented

David, a 6th grader, is an excellent student with advanced grades and test scores and a high-level thinking ability, especially in math.

David, a 6th grader, is an excellent student with advanced grades and test scores and a high-level thinking ability, especially in math.

His math teachers approach his parents about having him evaluated for gifted services.

His math teachers approach his parents about having him evaluated for gifted services.

David does not do well on the evaluation, or his parents do not choose to get him tested, and he is not identified as gifted.

David does not do well on the evaluation, or his parents do not choose to get him tested, and he is not identified as gifted.

CURRENT SYSTEMIn high school, David is not able

to enroll in CAS math classes, and struggles to remain

engaged in courses that do not challenge him.

CURRENT SYSTEMIn high school, David is not able

to enroll in CAS math classes, and struggles to remain

engaged in courses that do not challenge him.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

In high school, David is able to meet specific requirements that enable him to take the most rigorous math classes,

and is appropriately challenged.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

In high school, David is able to meet specific requirements that enable him to take the most rigorous math classes,

and is appropriately challenged. 5

Parent Beliefs:

Gifted and Talented

Javier Lerch Schenley and Allderdice parent

Tim SmithCAPA parent

Pam Little-PooleObama and Montessori parent

Rosanne LevineAllderdice parent

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Addressing Advanced Students:

Gifted and Talented

It is critical that we place students in courses that are appropriate to their level of learning.

•Currently, CAS classes are our highest level courses, and only students that meet gifted requirements are able to access them.

•Students not identified as gifted that have demonstrated they are able to do the work should have access, regardless of gifted status.

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Program Development and Evaluation:

Gifted and Talented

• We propose implementing the Talent Development Initiative during the 11-12 school year at 3 schools of varying sizes so that we are able to determine the effectiveness of the program before implementing district-wide for the 12-13 school year.

• A team consisting of principals, Gifted and Talented office members, teachers, CAS facilitators and members from the Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development (CIPD) office will be developed at each of the schools to oversee implementation of the model and to ensure that classes maintain rigor.

•We will be collaborating with CIPD to create opportunities for teachers to become better trained on the curricula and pedagogy.

•We will work to evaluate the program to understand if we are meeting our goals. Potential measurements include: student achievement, grades, 4sight, PSSA Scores, PSAT, teacher and student feedback (survey, anecdotal information), parent feedback

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Next Steps:

Gifted and Talented

• Gain approval for the Talent Development Initiative at the March Legislative meeting

We will:

• Continue to work with our Advisory group, which is made up of Asst. Superintendants, Principals, CAS facilitators and teachers and other PPS personnel to plan implementation of the model

•Attend Parent School Community Council (PSCC) meetings and community group meetings to connect with parents and other stakeholders

• Keep the board updated on progress and outcomes

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Brief Update: Advanced Placement (AP)

Gifted and Talented

Advanced Placement Review Sessions: 12 AP Review Sessions will be held throughout March and April at CAPA and Sci-Tech to help prepare students for AP exams in May. The program is fully staffed by PPS AP teachers. Enrollment will open in the next few weeks.

Advanced Placement Summer Academy: This free program is meant to help prepare students that will be taking AP classes in the 11-12 school year. It will be held for three weeks at the University of Pittsburgh. We are currently recruiting PPS AP teachers for this program.

Information about both programs went out to students in an “AP Toolkit” last week.

2011 College Information Night: On March 24th, the University of Pittsburgh will be hosting an exclusive event for PPS students including college going seminars. Additionally, representatives from twelve colleges and universities available to meet with attendees.

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Brief Update: Advanced Placement (AP)

Gifted and Talented

School Based Meetings: The GT office has been meeting with counselors, principals and AP Champions at all our high schools to promote awareness, gather support for the program, and create goals around AP program enrollment.

Student Focus Groups: We have been running focus groups with students from each high school to get a better understanding of how students perceive the AP program, and get additional feedback and ideas regarding our specific programming.

AP Teacher Trainings: AP teachers from schools across the district have come together for two of three half-day trainings meant to give teachers an opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and deepen their content knowledge.

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