Welcome to Mrs. Dickson's 2017-2018 Gifted and Talent Development Classroom

  

 View the 2017-2018 APS Gifted and Talented Program FAQs here

Parents Please Attend Our Next Parent University on March 14, 2017

Click here for flyer.

Wind Racer Design Challenge Student Reflections 1

Wind Racer Design Challenge Student Reflections 2

12/10/15 Cascade 3rd - 5th

Watch the video. Then add more details to your Window Notes Organizer.

Independent Study Projects

During gifted testing (Oct. 26-Nov. 20th) Gifted and Talent Development classes will not meet to accommodate the testing schedule for those being screened for gifted program services at both M. Agnes Jones ES and Cascade ES.

During this time, students will complete independent study projects that are due December 1st (Jones) and December 3rd (Cascade). Students may be pulled during the testing window to work on projects or complete unfinished classroom assignments.

M.A. Jones and Cascade 3rd-5th Grade Homework for the Week of October 12th

Parent Testing Meetings

  Parent Testing Flyer 15-16

Parent FAQs on the Gifted Screening and Identification Process

  Screening and Referral FAQ 15-16

Welcome Back to the Gifted and Talent Development Class!

August 5, 2015

Dear Parents and Students,

     As your Gifted and Talent Development Teacher, I am very excited to start the 2015-2016 school year with you. This year our classroom theme is "Soaring to Greater Heights".  I will serve students at M. Agnes Jones on Monday and Tuesday, and at Cascade on Thursday and Friday. Classes will begin the week of August 17th. Please read the attached welcome back letter for more information and a list of supplies you will need to be successful in class this year. I look forward to meeting you and working with you as always.


Sincerely,
Mrs.  Dickson
Itinerant Gifted/Talent Development Teacher
M. Agnes Jones and Cascade Elementaries

Gifted/Talent Development Class Syllabus

M. A. Jones Elementary/ Cascade Elementary Schools

Class Overview

Welcome parents and students to the Gifted/Talent Development Program!  I am Mrs. Dickson and I will provide Gifted and Talented as well as Talent Development instruction beginning the week of August 17^th.  Our theme this year is “Soaring to Greater Heights”.  The classroom will be a place the gifts, talents, multiple intelligences, and learning styles of both gifted and Talent Development students alike are embraced, while critical thinking and problem solving skills are better developed. Classroom curriculum is developed from interdisciplinary, differentiated, and standards-based lessons and activities for high ability learners. Units of study are aligned with the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards, Georgia Standards of Excellence, as well as the Atlanta Public School’s Gifted and Talented Program Standards. These standards focus on advanced communication skills, advanced research skills, creative thinking and problem solving skills, and higher order critical thinking skills. Classes will meet for students in first through second grades on Monday (M. A. Jones) and Friday (Cascade) and for students in third through fifth grades on Tuesday (M.A. Jones) and Thursday (Cascade).

Curriculum

Two large units and a mini unit will be taught during the school year. In “Symbols”, the first large unit for first and second graders, students will explore why symbols are used, the origin of some symbols, and the universal acceptance of others.

      In the first large unit for third through fifth grade students, “American Footprints”, will develop the steps of creative problem solving, students will extend their knowledge of historical figures, scientists, and inventors by studying the problems they faced and the solutions they found for those problems. Students will learn the steps of creative problem solving through these problem solvers and they will take the necessary steps to apply this knowledge to a problem within their own school environment. They will find a problem, learn all they can about the problem, solve the problem and implement the solution.

     Additional classroom focuses are on STEAM, project based learning, multiple intelligences, and on activities that support the social and emotional needs of all students.

Supplies/Student Expectations

All students are required to bring to class weekly a three ring binder with paper, pencil, and pocket size pencil sharpener. All assignments, class notes, and homework should be kept in the binder and brought to class each week. Occasional binder checks will be done throughout the unit to ensure students are being responsible with keeping up their binders. In addition, the class will have to complete homework assignments, a culminating unit project, and independent study projects. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

	Sincerely, Mrs. Dickson Itinerant Gifted/Talented Development Teacher M. Agnes Jones Elementary School (404) 802-3900 Cascade Elementary School (404) 802-8100 ldickson@atlanta.k12.ga.us http://www.nurturinggifts.blogspot.com

Gifted and Talent Development Classes

April 3, 2015


Dear Students and Parents,

Gifted and Talent Development class will not meet April 15th through April 24th due to Georgia Milestones testing. Classes will resume on April 27th. 

Students - Continue to work on your Personal Interest Projects. You will present these in class the last week in April and continue with our STEAM design challenges in May!


Have a wonderful SPRING BREAK!!!!

Gifted Parent University: March 19, 2015

  GiftedParentU2014-2015March-1