Programming at Steck:
Each student possesses a unique set of strengths and needs, and it is the goal of GT at Steck to come alongside classroom teachers, students, and parents to challenge all students at an appropriate level. This can mean a variety of instructional and extracurricular options designed to enrich or extend classroom curriculum.
This year we will be reexamining our programming options, both as a response to changes within GT in DPS and the move nationally towards the Common Core. Our goal is to make the programming we offer as intentional as possible, but there will certainly be bumps along the road! Please be patient and communicate with us as this process takes place.
In addition to the excellent classroom instruction already in place, the continuum of GT programming for your student may include:
The following focuses will guide our differentiation:
Content
In the meantime, we have the following goals for the start of the 2014-15 school year:
1. Examine the ALP process:
This year we will be reexamining our programming options, both as a response to changes within GT in DPS and the move nationally towards the Common Core. Our goal is to make the programming we offer as intentional as possible, but there will certainly be bumps along the road! Please be patient and communicate with us as this process takes place.
In addition to the excellent classroom instruction already in place, the continuum of GT programming for your student may include:
- independent or small group projects/research in or outside of the regular classroom
- accelerated or compacted curriculum (working in conjunction with the classroom teacher)
- opportunities for extension work within or outside of the classroom
- participation in academic competitions such as Destination Imagination, Denver Public Schools' (DPS) Shakespeare Festival, Math Olympiad (new this year!), and the DPS Spelling Bee (click here to learn more).
The following focuses will guide our differentiation:
Content
- address broad-based issues, themes, or problems incorporating a variety of subject areas
- provide advanced texts or above-grade level skills as appropriate
- encourage logical reasoning, critical and divergent thinking, and creative problem-solving strategies
- participate in research and communicate findings
- consider affective development and cultivate collaboration
- emphasize persistence, excellence, and curiosity
- refine/challenge existing ideas or our own previous work
- integrate concepts and subjects
- use techniques, materials, forms, and knowledge in innovative ways
In the meantime, we have the following goals for the start of the 2014-15 school year:
1. Examine the ALP process:
- Integrate Common Core Standards and thinking skills into ALP goals
- Include parents around affective [social-emotional] goals
- Connect with parents regularly via email and in person regarding progress of the GT program and their students
- Review ALP goals on a regular (6 week) basis, informing parents/caregivers and teachers around progress