Gifted and talented Education
Vision
MNPS vision for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is to have the most outstanding gifted and talented program in the United States.
Mission
The mission of the Gifted and Talented Education / Encore Program is to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of high ability students.
Goals
Develop thinking processes
Promote productive interaction among group members
Explore the arts through aesthetic education
Probe the world of science through the application of science process skills
Encore Program
The Encore program is a regular education program that is designed to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of gifted and talented students. Intellectually gifted and academically talented students are those whose intellectual abilities and potential for achievement are so outstanding that they need special attention to meet their educational needs. Eligibility is determined based on demonstration of advanced classroom performance, superior results on a national-normed achievement test, and evidence of higher level thinking as measured by assessment of abstract reasoning and logical thinking.
Meigs in essence is a cluster grouped school, 50% or more of students have been identified as gifted per grade level. Many students at Meigs are in Encore, however, they receive support in varying manners. I have provided some information below that may explain the program a bit better.
How is the Encore Program at Meigs different from other Middle Schools?
A portion of students are pulled out for instruction in the Encore Room. The other portion of students receive support in their classrooms from their respective teachers. I consult with each teacher to assist with ideas for differentiation, modeling, and collaborative teaching when possible. This model does not mirror the traditional Encore "pull-out only" model for all students in other schools.
What information was used to develop criteria for pull-out?
-Cog-AT Scores (for those students who entered through the Encore Screening Tests)
*Students must score a 128 or above in two areas (e.g. Verbal and Nonverbal etc.) or a Composite Score of 128
-Psychological Evaluations (for those students who entered through psychological evaluation)
*Students must have an IQ score of 130 or above
***The School Team in collaboration with District Personnel and Vanderbilt PTY Staff developed this criteria.
****Department Leadership and Administration agreed to continue using this criteria during the 2014-2015 school year.
What if my child did not meet criteria for pull out, are they still in Encore?
Yes. Students who are not pulled out receive the benefit of a gifted teacher working collaboratively with each classroom teacher and grade level team to offer ideas for differentiation, modeling, curricular supplements etc. The vast majority of students at Meigs have their needs met in the classroom through high-paced, rigorous instruction, and courses for high school credit.
What curriculum is utilized in the Encore Classroom?
As a department, we embrace a thematic approach to curriculum and instruction. I utilize units of instruction developed for gifted learners by the College of William and Mary's Center for Gifted Education to further expound upon the unified themes within our department. Students have assignments weekly, occasional homework, required readings, and other projects that they complete in addition to maintaining their regular schedule. Lessons are aligned to National, State, and Common Core Standards. When possible, lessons extend learning that is taking place in the classroom.
MNPS Encore page
https://mnpsencore.shutterfly.com/
Link to How to qualify
http://www.mnps.org/Page65413.aspx
MNPS vision for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is to have the most outstanding gifted and talented program in the United States.
Mission
The mission of the Gifted and Talented Education / Encore Program is to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of high ability students.
Goals
Develop thinking processes
Promote productive interaction among group members
Explore the arts through aesthetic education
Probe the world of science through the application of science process skills
Encore Program
The Encore program is a regular education program that is designed to nurture, challenge, and develop the potential of gifted and talented students. Intellectually gifted and academically talented students are those whose intellectual abilities and potential for achievement are so outstanding that they need special attention to meet their educational needs. Eligibility is determined based on demonstration of advanced classroom performance, superior results on a national-normed achievement test, and evidence of higher level thinking as measured by assessment of abstract reasoning and logical thinking.
Meigs in essence is a cluster grouped school, 50% or more of students have been identified as gifted per grade level. Many students at Meigs are in Encore, however, they receive support in varying manners. I have provided some information below that may explain the program a bit better.
How is the Encore Program at Meigs different from other Middle Schools?
A portion of students are pulled out for instruction in the Encore Room. The other portion of students receive support in their classrooms from their respective teachers. I consult with each teacher to assist with ideas for differentiation, modeling, and collaborative teaching when possible. This model does not mirror the traditional Encore "pull-out only" model for all students in other schools.
What information was used to develop criteria for pull-out?
-Cog-AT Scores (for those students who entered through the Encore Screening Tests)
*Students must score a 128 or above in two areas (e.g. Verbal and Nonverbal etc.) or a Composite Score of 128
-Psychological Evaluations (for those students who entered through psychological evaluation)
*Students must have an IQ score of 130 or above
***The School Team in collaboration with District Personnel and Vanderbilt PTY Staff developed this criteria.
****Department Leadership and Administration agreed to continue using this criteria during the 2014-2015 school year.
What if my child did not meet criteria for pull out, are they still in Encore?
Yes. Students who are not pulled out receive the benefit of a gifted teacher working collaboratively with each classroom teacher and grade level team to offer ideas for differentiation, modeling, curricular supplements etc. The vast majority of students at Meigs have their needs met in the classroom through high-paced, rigorous instruction, and courses for high school credit.
What curriculum is utilized in the Encore Classroom?
As a department, we embrace a thematic approach to curriculum and instruction. I utilize units of instruction developed for gifted learners by the College of William and Mary's Center for Gifted Education to further expound upon the unified themes within our department. Students have assignments weekly, occasional homework, required readings, and other projects that they complete in addition to maintaining their regular schedule. Lessons are aligned to National, State, and Common Core Standards. When possible, lessons extend learning that is taking place in the classroom.
MNPS Encore page
https://mnpsencore.shutterfly.com/
Link to How to qualify
http://www.mnps.org/Page65413.aspx
