The three primary components of the Middle School Gifted & Talented Program at Wayzata East are provided through:

1. Classes

Accelerated Math

The accelerated math courses in middle school allow students with high aptitude and achievement levels in mathematics to work beyond their grade level standards. Students showing success with the accelerated course will continue to work beyond grade level standards as they progress through middle school. A collection of

assessment data, along with the following student characteristics help to determine an appropriate recommendation for placement in the accelerated math course.

Language Arts Clusters

Students whose standardized test scores are in the 97th percentile or above on the 5th grade FastBridge aReading assessment will be placed in cluster groupings within the regular language arts classroom. These activities are designed to meet the needs of our identified cluster students in addition to students who exhibit a strong talent or skill in a given lesson or unit.

Seminars

Students with a Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) composite score of 130 or above will be enrolled in gifted seminars. These seminars are separate from a student’s academic classes and are taught by the gifted & talented coordinator. Gifted seminar topics include:

Coping with Stress

Perfectionism

Relationships

Self-advocacy

Leadership Time

Management Organization

High school readiness

2. Optional Activities/Experiences

Communication about these opportunities will be shared on our school website under "activities", with students in Advisory and on the school scrolling announcements. Opportunities are subject to coaches available. Offerings from the past are listed online. An activity form and e-pay fee need to be completed and turned in to the office in order to participate. Most activities are open to all grade levels.

3. Honors Reading

Students may select books from the Honors Reading list. They will be able to conference with a mentor/teacher upon completion of the book. Books are tracked throughout a student's time at East Middle School. Students may earn honors if they complete the required amount of books (16) for the gold award or (12) for the silver award by the end of 8th grade. Required forms for Honors Reading and the step-by-step process is shared on the Canvas Page for Honors Reading. Students may self-enroll to access the information necessary to participate. Open to all students.