Mrs. Thompson's Dec. 2015 GE News
Rush Creek Elementary
Testing for GE Services Coming Up in January and Early February
Second Grade Students will be given the Cognitive Abilities Test!
What does CogAT measure?
CogAT measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Reasoning skills develop gradually throughout a person’s lifetime, and at different rates for different individuals. CogAT does not measure such factors as effort, attention, motivation, and work habits, which contribute to school achievement as well.
All second graders will be given the Cognitive Abilities Test in January. Data gathered from this process and the upcoming NWEA assessments, will be used for decisions about GE services for 2016-17. Watch the Wednesday envelope for testing schedule and additional information. You do not need to sign and return anything unless you DO NOT want your child tested.
Grade 2 Schedule for Testing:
January 12, 13 & 14
Toov 1:00-2:00
January 19, 20 & 21
Winters 9:40-10:40
Kettner 10:40-11:40
Marshik 1:00-2:00 (testing 1/22 instead of 1/21)
January 26, 27 & 28
Williams 1:00-2:00
McBride 2:00-3:00
Third and Fourth graders can be tested with the CogAT too! Please remember how your child is participating in NBC classes this year; is it because of a 96% on the CogAT or is because of a high RIT score form their reading or math NWEA test from last year. ONLY CogAT scores guarantee participation in NBC classes every year. Letters will be sent home next week with students that myself or classroom teachers recommend testing.
Parents may also nominate students for this testing and students may self-nominate. If you are interested in having your child tested, contact me for additional information or to nominate your child for testing.
DECEMBER NEEDS BASED CLASSES
3rd Grade Non-Verbal Class
Non-Verbal Class-K'Nex Bridges
Students will know the following:
- How “load” affects the strength of bridge structures
Students will understand the following:
- Trusses strengthen beam bridge structures
- The strength of a truss comes from its triangular shape
Students will be able to (do):
- Modify a structure to increase its strength
- Successfully work as part of a team to complete assigned investigations
- Use creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem solving to design and build load-bearing K’NEX bridges
4th Grade Quantitative Class
Quantitative class-Would You Rather
Students will know the following:
- Math can be used to answer questions of choice that are a part of everyday life.
Students will understand the following:
- Tables, bar graphs, timelines and diagrams that can be used to display data.
Students will be able to (do):
- Analyze data by organizing, displaying and interpreting it.
5th Grade NonVerbal
Non-Verbal-Lego Mindstorms
Students will know the following:
- Steps in the Scientific method.
- How to interpret LEGO directions that lead to the construction of a robot.
- Distinguishing characteristics of LEGO parts.
- Steps in sequential programming.
Students will understand the following:
- Details (parts and actions) in a schematic diagram are essential for creating a robot that is able to perform pre-determined tasks.
- There is a strong correlation between observed details and analysis for problem-solving.
- The robot developer is responsible for programming commands to activate a response in the robot.
Students will be able to (do):
- Systematically organize, maintain, and be responsible for parts and materials.
- Build a robot according to a plan.
- Program a LEGO robot for planned “work,” (i.e., the action events are not random.)
- Demonstrate persistence through the trial and error (empirical) process.
- Create a programming document demonstrating an increasing progression of complexity.
Who Knew?!
Students who may need Gifted Education Quantitative classes may show evidence of the following abilities:
- Multiple Intelligence strength in logical reasoning/math
- Strong academic performance and/or potential, particularly in math (Evidence may include math RIT score, MCA score, classroom performance)
- Makes distinction between minute logical inconsistencies
- Pairs logical and creative thinking to solve problems
- Strong interest in math computation, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and/or complex patterns
Students who may need Gifted Education Non-Verbal classes may show evidence of the following abilities
- Multiple Intelligence strength in visual/spatial, logic, and/or bodily kinesthetic
- Sequencing skills
- Pattern recognition
- Constructive problem-solving
- Hands-on processing
- Communication with pictures, images and/or large gestures
- Makes distinction between minute visual differences
- Pairs logical and creative thinking to solve problems
Holiday Gift Ideas for Gifted Children
http://www.nagc.org/sites/default/files/Publication%20PHP/PHP_2015_ToyList.pdf
More Creative & Innovative Ideas for Children's Gifts
GE Monthly District Parent Meetings
We had over 60 parents in attendance at our December Parent Forum. Marji Olson, Laura Thompson & Kris Happe presented on Intensity, Perfectionism & Stress. The purpose of these meetings is to provide parent support for students participating in gifted education needs based classes. These sessions will be facilitated by several of our #279 Gifted Education Teachers. All meetings will be held at Oak View Elementary in the media center and will be from 6:30-7:30 pm. Childcare and a light snack will be provided. Our next meeting will be January 12th and the topic will be on motivation, enthusiasm and underachievement of gifted children.
Be sure to RSVP on the information flyer that you will receive prior to the meeting.
January 12th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Motivation, Enthusiasm, and Underachievement
February 9th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Idealism, Unhappiness and Depression
March 29th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Communication: The Key to Relationships
April 12, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Not Just Gifted? Twice-Exceptional Children, Organization Issues
May 10th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Advocating for Your Gifted Child Gifted Child
DIstrict #287 Fermi Champions for Grades 5/6
Left to Right: Maddie H., Josie D., Eliana M., & Sarah F
Congratulations to Maddie F. for a perfect score on the first Wordmaster Meet!
Perennial Math Contest Perfect Scores:
Grade 4: Alissa W, Blake B, Quinn H, & Sadie Q.
The REACH FOR THE STARS Catalog that was handed out at the November Parent Forum is linked below.
Contacting Laura Thompson
Phone 763-494-4549 Ext. 83131
Gifted Education Resources:
Hoagies' Gifted Education Page: www.hoagiesgifted.org
National Association for Gifted Children: www.nagc.org
Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG): www.sengifted.org