Programming

"All children deserve the opportunity to learn something new each day." 

-NAGC on rationale for gifted education

The Merton Community School District aligns with gifted education best practice by offering the following programming options for students with gifted and talented needs in a typical year. However, the actual program options will depend on our local data and based on the students who are currently attending Merton and their needs. 

GT progaming part of our Multi Level System of Supports (MLSS) process. Differentiation of our universal curriculum within the general classroom is an appropriate option for meeting the needs of many talented students and is our first level support structure. 

Rigorous Universal Curriculum

• Reading and Writing Workshop K-5

• myPerspectives English Language Arts Curriculum 6-8

• Eureka Math2 Squared (Grades K-8)

• FOSS Science Units Grade 1 - 5

• Inspire Science Grade 6 - 8

• Inquiry Journeys (Social Studies) K-6

• Discovery Techbook (Social Studies) 7-8

• Project Lead the Way engineering curriculum and or modules for all  students

• Engineering Units for grades 1-5

• Art, music, and STEM explore and elective for grades 5-8

• Work is "different", not "in addition to"

Partial/Single Subject Acceleration

• Students must be identified through multiple objective assessments tools or a combination of objective and subjective assessment tools as needing this acceleration. 

• Multiple grade level acceleration in math with data support and readiness confirmation

• Early entrance to high school as needed for one or more subjects

• Partial/Single Subject area accelerations in other content areas as indicated by multiple screeners.

Full Grade Acceleration & Early Entrance

• As needed according to Iowa Acceleration Scale guidelines and team recommendation

Replacement Curriculum (Gr.5-8)

• Options include highly focused integrated science, reading and writing courses through The Center for Advanced Academics (formerly WCATY - Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth)

Other Programming that may meet gifted needs

• Math Meet for grades 5-8  (4 students per grade level each year)

• Spelling Bee (all student eligible)

• Book Battles (Intermediate School)

• March Madness Reading Challenges (Intermediate School)

• National Junior Honor Society in grades 6-8 (application process based on grades and recommendations)

• Student Senate in grades 5-8

• Primary PALS in grade 4

• Leadership Cohorts for identified leadership talent in  5K - 4th grade

• Writing Mentorships 

• Merton Press Room starting in grade 5. Primary school students occassionally chosen to participate based on recommendation and student need. 

• Individualized plans developed for students whose gifted needs are outside the currently offered targeted opportunities

Guidance Groups

• As needed, for individuals or small groups exhibiting social and emotional needs that are interfering with their engagement and/or growth at school.

Outside Organizations/Opportunities that May Grow Your Child's Talents

• CheckMates Chess Academy (Chess Class - before school)

• Young Rembrandts (Art - After School)

• Lead With Me (Leadership - After School)

• Camp Invention (STEAM - Summer School)

• Merton School Musical (5-8) (Performing Arts - Fall - After School)