2022-23 Programming Plan:

The Gifted and Talented Program at Steele Elementary provides students with rigorously challenging instruction and multi-faceted support for intellectual, social and emotional development through small group pull-out instruction or in-class enrichment in their academic strength area(s) as well as ongoing SEL coaching with the GT Teacher supported by DPS approved curricula. Steele’s program ensures all students have equitable access to GT identification through universal screenings (taking place for Second Graders the week of October 17th and for Kindergarteners the week of October 24th), cognitive testing (available at other grade levels) as well as DPS approved academic assessments (available at all grade levels). Steele’s demographic data is directly reflected in the GT population with a special emphasis on ensuring barriers to identification and GT services are eliminated for historically underrepresented populations. Advanced Learning Plans are created using student, family and teacher input whereby they are best used as a guide for education planning and decision-making centering on students’ strength(s) in conjunction with their social and emotional needs. Progress monitoring takes place throughout each learning unit and is shared with families quarterly. Emailed communication will share GT updates while information about culminated learning will be featured on our GT website.

GT Curriculum:

Students can expect a combination of pull out for small group GT leveled instruction on a regular schedule with Ms. Brittani (GT Teacher) and/or in-class enrichment options. Curriculum is developed in accordance with Colorado Academic Standards (paced with the corresponding grade levels) and the National Association for Gifted Children Standards with an emphasis on STEM content.

Schedule:

Excited to be sharing a new block schedule this year! It is based on feedback from last year's students, teachers and families, furthermore it is a tremendous opportunity to deep dive into accelerated content for longer stretches of time. Students are also guaranteed to be pulled for their strength area during that classroom time. Schedule starts August 29th for ALP students. Talent Pool students will be rostered in the first few weeks.

DPS GT Identification Process:

​studentequity.dpsk12.org/gifted-talented/assessment-and-identification-process/

About Ms. Brittani

Degrees: Elementary Education with a masters in Secondary Science Education (three areas of focus: Biology, Astronomy as well as Anatomy and Physiology).

Certifications: Gifted and Talented Education, Gifted and Talented Identification, READ Act, English Language Learners Education and STEM Education

Experience: General Education (Kinder through Fifth Grade) and Gifted and Talented (Kinder through Sixth Grade)

​Favorites: My family (including our dog, Einstein). All things science. Coffee!!! Hiking. Reading. Yoga/Mindfulness.