Leawood: Gifted & Talented Program

Leawood GT Vision:

We are focused on Actualizing Learners' Potential for gifted and high-ability learners in Jeffco Public Schools and at Leawood Elementary

We believe all students deserve an education that will provide meaningful growth academically, socially, and emotionally. See our Definition of a GT Student and our Board Policy on Gifted Education

Here is the slide deck from our October 2nd 2024 Parent Meeting.

Curriculum at Leawood

Language Arts

This year we will be implementing William and Mary Units of Study during small group literacy time. The goals of the Language Arts units are to develop students' skills in literary analysis and interpretation, persuasive writing, linguistic competency, and oral communication as well as to strengthen students' reasoning skills and understanding of the concept of change. The units engage students in exploring carefully selected, challenging works of literature from various times, cultures, and genres; and they encourage students to reflect on their readings through writing and discussion. The units also provide numerous opportunities for students to explore interdisciplinary connections to the language arts and to conduct research around issues relevant to their own lives.

1st & 2nd Grade - Wordly Words

3rd - Explore Discover Reveal

4th and 5th - Mind Your Time

Follow this Link for More about this Resource

Mathematics

We are excited to share that we are launching Beast Academy (BA) for students with a math ALP this year. Beast Academy is the elementary math program created by Art of Problem Solving, a global leader in advanced K–12 math education. Beast Academy shows positive results for gifted math student outcomes; including improved math test scores, self-efficacy, motivation, persistence, and confidence. Students will be using this during our WIN (what I need time) and can also use it at home.

Additionally, for all students that are high achieving in math, we are enriching students with math choice boards and differentiated centers. Here is a sample choice board for 3rd grade.

What to support GT at Leawood? Leawood GT Wishlist

ALPs at Leawood:

All formally identified gifted students have an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) at Leawood:

The ALP is primarily managed by the classroom teacher with collaboration and input from parents and students
The ALP is a living document that guides the student's academic and social emotional progress through a goal setting process that follows the Jeffco ALP Lifecycle
Each identified gifted student will have two goals each school year, one academic goal tied to their identified strength, and one affective (social/emotional) goal.
The student's ALP is progress monitored three times a year
Towards the end of the school year, ALP's are evaluated as to whether the student has met their goals or not

GT Identification:

Interested in seeing if your student qualifies to be identified as gifted and talented and placed on an advanced learning plan?
Click this link to learn more and to fill out the Parent GT Identification Referral Form

Helpful Links:

Social and Emotional Learning Resources

GT Strategies at Leawood:

Differentiation
Intentional and Flexible Grouping
Social Emotional Support
Strength Based Learning
Data based decision and planning processes

Support for GT:

Leawood GT Building Leader: Jamie Kelley
GT Resource Teacher: Matt Wilkinson
Social Emotional Learning Specialist: Jeni Wells

Announcing Jeffco GT Department Office Hours for the 2025-26 School Year

Do you have questions about GT? We are here to help! Announcing GT department office hours, where you can speak with GT Resource Teachers, Social and Emotional Learning Counselors, and GT department administration.

Here is the schedule for office hours for the 2025-26 school year:

8/27 (Wednesday) 4-5 pm
10/16 (Thursday) 4-5 pm
12/11 (Thursday) 4-5 pm
1/14 (Wednesday) 5-6 pm
2/9 (Monday) 4-5 pm
3/12 (Thursday) 5-6 pm
4/21 (Tuesday) 5-6 pm
5/13 (Wednesday) 4-5 pm

Please fill out this short form to receive a link to the virtual office hour.

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