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Welcome to GT
2023-2024
Hello GT Parents!
As we start this new school year, I wanted to take a minute to say how grateful we are as a GT Department to work with your child. I am starting my 12th year supervising GT and I can say without hesitation, this is the strongest group of educators I have ever had the privilege to lead.
Last year we introduced, Research and Inquiry Canvas modules aligned to the new ELA series Benchmark. These are self-paced modules where your students have a virtual GT Coach leading them through a research project. We encourage you to ask about these resources. The work can be done at school or home. We would love to see more students take advantage of these!
As always, our GT Department has created research-based activities, modules, lessons and activities for your students. Our work is to teach your students problem-solving and thinking skills. We want our students to become independent thinkers able to look at a problem from multiple angles and create various solutions to solve the issue. We believe all of our resources align with this focus.
I want to highlight the GT Competencies we have created. We believe academics are just one part of serving the advanced student. There are social skills we are committed to introducing and teaching your child. Strategies for topics such as growth mindset, advocating, goal setting, and success criteria are important for our advanced students to have in their toolbox. You will be learning more about the competencies in parent newsletters. I encourage you to ask your child throughout the year about their work on these important skills.
Lastly, I want to thank you for trusting us with providing enrichment to your child. We are committed to providing your child a unique learning experience while teaching problem solving and thinking.
Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do! I am excited about this school year...much appreciation to each of you.
Daphne Odom
Daphne Odom, PhD
Knox County Schools
Supervisor, Special Education and Student Supports
GT Groups Begin
What are GT classes?
Gifted and Talented classes are designed to meet each student where they are as we seek to create a SHIFT in student efficacy. Students will participate in complex tasks and practice utilizing a growth mindset. Students will have the opportunity to do this by engaging in various thinking and problem-solving activities.
What does a “GT Instructional Coach” do?
GT Coaches work to create and maintain stimulating classroom environments with academic rigor for our advanced and gifted learners. We work collaboratively with administrators and classroom teachers to create and share resources designed specifically for advanced learners. We support both teachers and students with differentiation needs so that we can meet students where they are and push them to their potential.
How do we decide who participates in GT?
The GT Department collects multiple data points to determine student participation in GT. The following are data points that are reviewed:
Benchmark assessments (focusing on the application pieces)
TCAP
Classroom performance
Gifted Creativity Checklist
GT Screener (allows students to show not just procedural knowledge but also conceptual understanding)
Teacher observations
iReady
Once my child is in GT, will they always be in GT?
GT class participation is fluid and flexible through the elementary years. At times, your child may need different support to meet them where they are. Your child’s participation will always be based on his/her current needs as a learner.
What can I do at home to foster my child’s gifts and talents?
Each month I will send a GT Parent Newsletter that highlights the work your child has been doing and also gives you links and events that might be of interest to you and your child.
My one recommendation is that you let your child be a kid (be silly, make mistakes, allow creativity and exploration) ...and while they are busy having fun as a kid, you promote their love of learning by asking open-ended questions. Keep them curious and allow them to dive into their interests and learn about them. There can always be a great question to ask your child and a problem for them to solve! Just find that learning opportunity in your everyday moments!
What are GT Competencies?
GT classes provide opportunities for your child to think and problem-solve in complex ways while learning social-emotional skills along the way. These learning tools can be applied academically, personally, and socially in your child’s life.
Second Grade Competency
Third Grade Competencies
Fourth Grade Competencies
Fifth Grade Competencies
2023-2024 Gifted and Talented Coaches
We are excited to work with your children and want to make sure you have a face to go with our name! Below is a list of all Knox County GT coaches. Please take a moment to find your child's GT Coach. Below each coach's name are the schools that the coach serves. Note some coaches are serving different schools this year, and some schools have more than one coach. We look forward to building relationships with you and your children. Please don't hesitate to reach out! Our emails are also listed below.
Tiersha Adkins
Janet Braden
Green Magnet Academy, Lonsdale, Amherst, West Hills, Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
Laura Burgard
Mooreland Heights, A.L. Lotts, Inskip, Fountain City, Farragut Intermediate