Talent Development at BCI

Talent Development at Bear Cave Intermediate

Talent Development classes are available for students in third, fourth and fifth grade. Students are invited to participate in a TD class if they have scored exceptionally well on the reading and/or mathematics portion of the district's FAST test, MCA's, and on the CogAT Screening Form (Cognitive Abilities Test). Input from classroom teachers is also obtained for consideration.

Identified third, fourth and fifth grade students may participate in the Verbal (focusing on reading and language arts) class, during grade-level RTI time.

Students identified as having strong math abilities in third grade may participate in Non-Verbal (focusing on mathematics) class.

Talent Development classes are held during the school day, and are taught by Mrs. Aimee Johnson.

Verbal Classes

Much of our curriculum focuses on novel studies, with themes established by the Center of Gifted Education at the College of WIlliam & Mary. Novel studies encourage advanced readers to develop their skills at analyzing and interpreting literature through structured questions and activities that highlight themes nd concepts, literary elements, and real-world connections contained within the books. Content will also correlate with skills taught in the district's new Reading Street reading curriculum. Writing for purpose will also be a major focus. The goal is to develop analytical and interpretive skills in literature, and to develop an understanding of selected literary themes in high-ability students.

Verbal classes meet daily for 30 minutes, during the grade level's established WIN time.

Grade 3 Verbal Curriculum:

*The Green Book novel study

*Jackie and Me novel study

* Study of Architecture

*Titanic non-fiction study

Grade 4 Verbal Curriculum:

* The Cay novel study

* Peppermints in the Parlor novel study

* Searching for David's Heart novel study

* Wringer novel study

* Speeches unit

Grade 5 Verbal Curriculum:

* Miss Bixby's Last Day novel study

* Esperanza Rising novel study

* Blood on the River novel study

* Anne of Green Gables novel study

* Newbery Medal unit

Non-Verbal Classes

Math TD classes meet for approximately 30 minutes a day in 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade and the Project M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds curriculum is used. This curriculum is designed to motivate and challenge mathematically talented students at the elementary level. Students explore a simulated or real-life problem and are encouraged to think, write, and act like mathematicians to solve the problem.

Report Cards

Students will receive Talent Development report cards at the end of second, third and fourth quarters. These TD report cards are part of the regular electronic report card.

Expectations for Students

Students are expected to come to class sessions prepared to be a positive and productive member of the group. Students should be respectful of all participants and the teacher at all times, and should take responsibility to learn and apply the material presented/covered. Students must complete all assignments both in and out of class. If concerns arise, both the student and parents will be contacted.

Previous participation in a talent development class does not guarantee future/continued participation.