School-Day Programming

Programming during the school day is limited to students who have demonstrated an academic need in school subject areas. These opportunities are by invitation only and happen during school hours. Decisions regarding programming and who is included take into account the following factors:

• Amount of space in program

• Teacher nomination and/or recommendation (both current and past teachers)

• Standardized test scores/IQ test scores

• Past success with GT challenges

Please note: If there is space available in a program, selected students may be "flexed" into that program if appropriate. This is a one-time placement.

Reading/Writing:

• Grades K-2: Individualized or small group instruction for those who are performing significantly above grade level (1.5 years+) and do not have an intellectual peer in their grade/at their school. We utilize the Junior Great Books series to provide this instruction.

• Grades 3-5: High-Ability Reading and Thinking (HART) groups for reading challenge. We utilize both Junior Great Books and various high-quality novels.

• Grades 3-8: Word Masters pull-outs help students learn more about root words, dissect the English language, explore analogies, and expand their vocabulary.

Math:

• Kindergarten-2nd grade: Individualized or small group instruction for those who are performing significantly above grade level (1.5 years+) and do not have an intellectual peer in their grade/at their school. A variety of resources are used, based on student need, but all resources foster mathematical thinking referenced in the Standards for Mathematical Practice

• 3rd-5th grade: Small group pull-out instruction for students who qualify. A variety of resources are used, and may include activities from Edward Zaccaro books and the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival.

• 6-12 grade: Students who have data that demonstrates exceptional achievement in math may be eligible to complete the typical middle/high school math sequence at an accelerated pace. This would position them to reach higher levels of mathematics, such as Calculus, while still in high school.

• Students who are interested in moving through the math sequence faster are evaluated on an individual basis, using the School Board Acceleration Policy.

Science and STEM:

• K-12: If a student wishes to delve deeply into a science topic and do a Science Fair project, GT staff will meet periodically with that student to assist in development of the project, a timeline to stay on pace, and final preparation advice before the event.

Exploration Expeditions:

• If a student has a deep interest, GT staff will work with them to develop an explorative project on the subject. A final project of some sort will be presented or published for the community. Topics vary widely. Past topics include learning to play the ukulele, learning wiring, building a computer, sewing, how combustion engines work, caring for animals, and exploring a historical topic.

Online Academy Challenges: English Language Arts

• These 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes are for students who show great initiative, are independent learners, and who have qualifying scores on the Forward Exam, MAP testing, and other testing. They fully replace ELA classes for the selected quarter(s). Only available quarters 2, 3, and 4. Note: Because these classes supplant core instruction, they are not intended for those who need classroom instruction on essay writing, grammar, etc.

Cluster Grouping:

• Each year, GT makes recommendations about placing advanced learners into classes with other students of similar ability so that the curriculum can be more easily differentiated by the classroom teacher.

• GT has provided private resources for teachers to use in situations where there are multiple bright children in a class. These resources include projects and assessments that will ensure that bright kids have an opportunity to deepen their learning.

Sweet 2B Me Student Mini-Conference:

• This one-day student conference for grades 5-6 or 7-8 will give students strategies for dealing with topics such as anxiety, perfectionism, friendships, peer pressure, etc. Fort Atkinson typically hosts this (we began it) and other schools are invited to attend from around the region.

Other:

• Meetings with GT students in grades 8-12 for college planning, course selection, etc.

• Field trips

• Scholarship and testing information sessions (grades 9-12)

• Ideas? Let us know! gate@fortschools.org