Elementary Academically Talented Programs
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Mission
The mission of the Academically Talented Program is to provide appropriate educational opportunities for those students who display attributes associated with academic talent in reading and in mathematical learning areas.
Philosophy
The Oswego School District 308 Academically Talented Program nurtures risk-taking and individual growth, values learning and knowledge, and promotes critical and creative thinking.
Goals
- Provide a consistent and challenging curriculum for identified academically talented students
- Promote differentiation, excellence, and rigor in the curriculum
- Promote collaboration with classroom teachers of academically talented students
- Promote understanding of academically talented students’ learning needs
- Promote effective communication between District 308 and the school community
Second Grade Academically Talented Pullout
Academically Talented students in second grade receive direct teaching instruction from the AT resource teacher. The purpose of second grade AT pullout is to expose second grade students to convergent and divergent thinking. Focusing on these aspects of thought is intended to prepare students for the rigor of third through fifth grade AT math and/or reading pullout curriculum. Second grade students will have the opportunity to reason logically, demonstrate flexibility in thinking, exhibit curiosity, brainstorm, and problem-solve through a variety of activities. Students will attend a 40-60 minute pullout session once per week. Pullout sessions will begin the second semester of the school year.
Third through Fifth Grade Academically Talented Pullout
Academically Talented students in third, fourth, and fifth grades receive direct teaching instruction from the AT resource teacher in the areas of math and/or reading.
If a student has been identified in one subject, math or reading, he/she will receive 60 minutes of instruction per week in the AT resource classroom. If a student has been identified in both subject areas, he/she will receive 120 minutes of instruction per week in the AT resource classroom: 60 minutes for AT math and 60 minutes for AT reading instruction.
Test of Mathematical Giftedness (TOMAG)
What is the TOMAG?
The TOMAG is a standardized, norm-referenced test that measures a student’s ability to use mathematical reasoning and mathematical problem solving as opposed to computation.
Who takes the TOMAG assessment?
All students who are identified by the district as academically talented in mathematics will take this assessment. The results are used by the classroom teacher and AT teacher to provide further educational opportunities for AT math students.
When will my child take the TOMAG?
All third and fourth grades AT math students will take this assessment in the fall, and qualifying students will begin TOMAG pullout services shortly thereafter.
Students will continue to receive TOMAG pullout services in fifth grade based on the results of the TOMAG test given in fourth grade.
Any new student will take this assessment upon identification for AT math services.
What services will my child receive?
One additional AT pullout session per week is provided. While attending this pullout session, students are introduced to and explore new mathematical concepts. There is no additional homework or material needed for this pullout session.
How will I know if my child qualified?
Parents/Guardians will be notified via letter if their child qualifies for this additional pullout session.
Contact Us
Telephone and E-mail
Cathi Mundsinger, Director of Teacher and Learning-Elementary, 630.636.3693
AT Teachers
Identification Screening Process - PDF
Testing/Identification Timeline
The second grade identification process begins with the fall Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing.
The third through fifth grade identification process begins with the spring Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing.
Fall Screening
September/October: Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
At this time, second grade students only will be screened for the AT Program. All second grade students will take this achievement test.
October: InView Test of Cognitive Abilities
Any second grade students who met the minimum requirements on the MAP test will take the InView abiltiy test.
November/December: Screening
InView tests are sent to be scored. Upon return, scores are screened for minimum requirements. Please refer to teh AT Identification Screening Process section on the AT Program page for minimum requirements.
January/February: Notification
Notification letters will be sent home to all parents whose second grade students were screened for the AT Program. Second grade students who are newly identified begin receiving AT pullout services.
Spring Screening
March/April: Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
All second, third, fourth, and fifth grade students will take this achievment test. At this time, third through fifth grade students will be screened for the AT Program. In addition, any second grade student who did not meet the minimum requirements on the fall MAP screening will be screened at this time.
April/May: InView Test of Cognitive Abilities
Any third through fifth grade students who met the minimum requirments on the spring MAP test will take the InView ability test. Any second grade student who did not take the InView ability test in the fall and now meets the minimum requirements on the spring MAP test will take the InView ability test. InView tests are sent to be scored. Upon return, scores are screened for minimum requirements.
June: Notification
Notification letters are sent home to any student who took the InView test.
Fall of the following school year:
Any student who is identified as Academically Talented in math and/or reading through the spring screening will begin receiving AT pullout services in the fall of the following school year.
Parent Resources
Illinois Association for Gifted Children
www.iagcgifted.org
National Association for Gifted Children
www.nagc.org
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted
http://sengifted.org
Center for Talent Development
www.ctd.northwestern.edu
The “all things gifted” page
www.hoagiesgifted.org
Parents and Community for Excellence
www.pace308.org
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