At East Cary Magnet Middle School we follow the AIG plan defined by WCPSS and the state of North Carolina, with embedded aspects of our Global Studies and World Languages Magnet theme. We believe our scholars will help us create a better and more sustainable future for us all. Through our AIG program, scholars will engage at a deep and complex level with the Four Domains of Global Competence below, and then use those skills to take action specifically tied to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Scholars will
problem solve around Global issues using the Four Domains,
build their critical and creative thinking skills to become more Globally Competent Learners,
undertake cross-curricular projects tied directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, and
understand that learning in all their classrooms is interconnected to each other and to the world
The AIG Teacher will
Co-teach with your child’s teacher.
Plan with teachers to differentiate projects, lessons and activities to allow for more complex study of concepts.
Model lessons for teachers.
Provide scholars who self-select an opportunity to attend the Cognitive Science Cafe (CogSciCafe), where scholars will investigate topics of their choice independently or in teams. Focused learning will be on STEM and Brain Science.
Facilitate the identification of AIG scholars and the testing process for identification.
Serve as a support person for scholars, parents and teachers as needed.
The Core Teacher will differentiate using some strategies from the following list, in addition to others
Independent Global Projects for further investigations based on student interest
Tiered Assignments that align with our global themes
Varying Questions and Questioning Techniques
Possible individual Learning Contracts
Cluster Grouping
Seminar discussions
Questions? Please contact our AIG Teacher Dr. Nan Danehower at ndanehower@wcpss.net.
Source: Wake County Public Schools AIG Website, linked here.
What is the purpose of the AIG Program in WCPSS?
The WCPSS AIG program provides an appropriately challenging educational program for students who perform, or show potential for performing, at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment.
Who does the WCPSS AIG Program serve?
Academically or intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically or intellectually gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.
What does the AIG program staff believe about gifted education programming?
Gifted and highly capable students learn at a faster rate and are able to think with more complexity than their peers.
Gifted and highly capable students are found across a diverse student population.
Gifted and highly capable students need a more rigorous and differentiated curriculum.
Ongoing research-based professional development for all stakeholders is necessary to sustain an effective gifted program.
Collaborative partnerships with parents and community are essential to build and maintain an effective gifted program.
2019 - 2022 Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted Family Brochure
2019 - 2022 AIG Plan (Plan is in the process of being updated for 2023)
Who should I contact about gifted services if I have questions?
Parent inquiries about the AIG Program appropriate options for differentiation should be directed to the child's assigned school. The following sequence is recommended:
Your scholar's general education teacher(s)
ECMMS AIG teacher: Dr. Nan Danehower
ECMMS Principal: Dr. Nikia Davis
WCPSS Academically or Intellectually Gifted Program office
Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction AIG Website, linked here.
The NC AIG Program Standards have been developed to serve as a statewide framework and guide LEAs to develop, coordinate, and implement thoughtful and comprehensive AIG programs. These standards reflect Article 9B (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5-.08) and nationally-accepted best practices in gifted education. Furthermore, the AIG Program Standards help ensure that the needs of AIG students are met and the potential of AIG students is optimally developed.