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Cardarella, Stephanie - GT

GT/DISCOVERY PROGRAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

What is the GT/Discovery program?

Discovery is the academic enrichment/acceleration program provided for students who have been identified as intellectually and/or creatively gifted and talented.

How are students identified?
Students who are referred for the Discovery program go through a screening process, which involves five areas: verbal aptitude, nonverbal aptitude, achievement in math and reading, creativity, and qualitative data collection.
Who refers students?

A teacher, parent, student, or other interested persons observing a student with consistent evidence of gifted characteristics may refer him/her.

When is testing?
 
Referrals are accepted each year in August and September.  Screening occurs during the first week of October.   Referrals must be in written form and sent to the Campus Discovery Coordinator, Stephanie Cardarella.  Referral forms are available at the front desk or can be found on Mrs. Cardarella’s website.
What are some of the characteristics of a gifted student?

§  advanced/extensive vocabulary

§  work advanced beyond the grade level/age

§  extremely inquisitive, asks many questions, often challenging, provoking and/or demanding

§  in-depth understanding of complex concepts

§  persistence is evident in areas of interest

§  high level of curiosity, energy, enthusiasm and vigor for new ideas

§  advanced reasoning

§  feels keenly about own ideas and solutions to problems, and often expresses them regardless of what others may think

§  likes to examine new possibilities for problems/solutions, rather than fitting within a structure

§  especially original imagination

§  sustained attention span

§  initiates projects and often prefers to work alone

§  keenly observant

§  keen sense of humor

 

If you would like more information about the Discovery Program, please contact the Campus Discovery Program Coordinator, Stephanie Cardarella at cardarellas@ltisdschools.org.

 

DESCRIPTION OF GIFTED TALENTED/DISCOVERY PROGRAM

 

Grade Level:  Kindergarten – 5th Grade

The Elementary Discovery Program is a cross-curricular thematic based pullout program for students in 2nd – 5th grade.  Participating students will demonstrate skill in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment.  I will work with teachers in kindergarten and first grade to provide enrichment activities. 

 

ASSESSMENT PHILOSOPHY FOR DISCOVERY PROGRAM

 

The Discovery Program is available to all qualifying students regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, special need or limited English proficiency. The identification process for the Discovery Program is rigorous and fair.  It is also flexible enough to deal with students who join the school from other districts.  Please note previous GT enrollment upon registration.