3rd Grade
EXPLORERS
In a Snapshot:
Each homeroom usually receives two whole group lessons.
Usually, Explorers Classes are taught by Ms. Sanders and are based on Math and Reading concepts. There are also sometimes activities and puzzles that provide opportunity for creative and critical thinking.
Small groups are flexible.
The purpose is to gather data and help teachers identify students for the AIG program.
CogAt Practice will take place during the 1st Quarter. Following the CogAt and IOWA, Explorers classes will begin.
The purpose of the Wake County Public School System Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program is to provide 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.
The Wake County AIG Program supports a unique nurturing component, 3rd Grade Explorers. The AIG teacher works in partnership with third grade teachers to plan a variety of experiences designed to elicit high academic performance. Several times during the first part of the year, the AIG teacher works in the classroom with students. The AIG and the classroom teachers assess student performance during these experiences.
Students who demonstrate high performance participate in small group enrichment activities. Some students may participate in one or more small group experiences, while other students may not demonstrate a need for this enrichment. Participation in a small group experience does not mean that the student has been, or will be, identified for future AIG services.
Evidence from 3rd Grade Explorers may be considered with the informal indicators including student learning behaviors, student performance, student interest, and student motivation. Formal indicators, such as aptitude and achievement scores from norm-referenced tests, are also considered for possible AIG nomination. Students identified in the fall of their third grade year will be served in the spring.
How 3rd Graders are identified:
Data is collected during CogAt Practice and Explorers.
The School Based Committee for Gifted Education (SBCGE) - which is a committee made up of the AIG teachers, administrators, and classroom teachers - will analyze any and all data we have compiled on each student to decide whether or not the data supports having a child referred move through the identification process.
Once a child is referred, the AIG teacher will collect information that will be used in a portfolio. This portfolio will contain items such as: teacher checklists, parent checklists, work samples, report card grades, and scores from items such as IStation, NC Check Ins, and grade level assessments. Students will have to demonstrate consistent above grade level performance of all items to be eligible for AIG identification.
Using the information we have gathered, the SBCGE will use a rubric style matrix, developed by the WCPSS Accelerated Learning Services Department, to determine whether a child qualifies for reading and/or math identification in AIG.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Sanders at bmsanders@wcpss.net
How 4th & 5th graders are identified:
Teachers, parents, and even students can nominate to be considered for AIG services by completing this form.
The School Based Committee for Gifted Education (SBCGE) which is a committee made up of the AIG teachers, administrators, and classroom teachers will analyze all data we have compiled on each student and decide whether the data supports having a child referred to move through the identification process.
Once a child is referred, the AIG teacher will collect information that will be used in a portfolio. This portfolio will contain items such as: teacher checklists, parent checklists, work samples, report card grades, and scores from items such as I Station, NC Check Ins, and grade level assessments. Students will have to demonstrate consistent above grade level performance of all items to be eligible for AIG identification.
Using the information we have gathered, the SBCGE will use a rubric style matrix, developed by the WCPSS Accelerated Learning Services Department, to determine whether a child qualifies for reading and/or math identification in AIG.
Reciprocity from Another District
After your child's records have been received at Northwoods, the AIG Teacher is notified if there is documentation regarding gifted services from another school district. The AIG Teacher will review the documents with the School-Based Committee for Gifted Education (SBCGE) and will notify parents/guardians if the child will be granted reciprocity for AIG services in WCPSS.