For curriculum updates for pull-out groups click the subject below: Language Arts Enrichment Math Enrichment For Information about the GIFTED ELIGIBILITY PROCESS for third grade students CLICK HERE Cognitive Abilities Test 2011 During the week of November 7th all third grade students take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), which assesses each child's ability to solve problems in three main categories: 1) verbal (language arts) reasoning, 2) quantitative (mathematical) reasoning, and 3) non-verbal (visual) reasoning. This is not a test that can be "studied for" in any way. It is purposely designed to test skills that are above grade level to help identify students who need differentiated curriculum and instruction beyond the third grade Standards of Learning. Students who score in the 95th percentile and above in any of three categories meet the criteria for the "ability test" component of the gifted identification portfolio in that subject area. Each student must meet expectations in multiple criteria to be made eligible for gifted education services. No single test score can guarantee nor deny a student eligibility for gifted education services. All eligibility committee meetings for students referred for consideration for gifted education services will be held in mid-January and parents will receive notification of the committee's decision by the end of January. Parents do not need to fill out a referral form - all third students are automatically considered for eligibility. If you have any questions about these tests or the procedures for gifted education identification please contact me (kkendall@lexedu.org or 540-463-5353 ext 3129). Math Enrichment Selected students are pulled from class once a week, during their normally scheduled math time. The students are pulled at the following times: Richardson's and Rowsey's classes - Tuesdays 9:20 -10:05 Campagna's class - Thursdays 1:25 - 2:10 p.m. Swisher's class - Thursdays 2:10 - 2:55 p.m. Program objectives:
Students in the pull-out groups develop problem-solving strategies through the use of multi-step word problems from the Techniques of Problem Solving series (the students refer to these as their ("TOPS Packets") and they can work on these at their own pace whenever they finish math class assignments or morning work early), the Problem Solver 3 series from Creative Publications, and "brain teaser" problems from several math web sites. The students will also play challenging board and computer games and participate in other math enrichment activities that extend grade-level skills. LINK TO ON-LINE MATH GAMES we sometimes use in class as a "reward" activity when students work well on other problem-solving challenges. Language Arts Enrichment Program Overview Selected students are pulled from class once a week, during their normally scheduled language arts time. The students are pulled at the following times. Mr. Kendall is the discussion leader for all of the groups: Campagna - Mondays 10:50 - 11:30 a.m. Richardson - Tuesdays 10:05 - 10:50 a.m. Rowsey and Swisher - Fridays 10:50 - 11:30 a.m. Program Objectives:
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