At both schools, students who do not qualify for the Gifted Program, may still be included in direct instruction. If a student has demonstrated the potential to be successful in math/reading they may be placed in the gifted class that applies. These placements are reevaluated every six weeks to ensure that the student is learning at his/her best rate.
At Eagle Ridge and Aire Libre we are using the Cluster Classroom model for grades
K-6. What that means for gifted students, is that all the identified
children within a grade level are assigned to the same homeroom. The
homeroom teacher works with the gifted specialist (Tony Pantera) to
differentiate instruction for those students. In addition, gifted
students in grades 4-6 receive direct instruction in reading/math. The
following information is in regards to the direct instruction services.
PLEASE NOTE: Direct instruction will occur every day. Eagle Ridge in the morning and Aire Libre in the afternoon.
Grammar:
Students use the Michael Clay Thompson model of interpretive discourse in a
variety of language genres. Classroom discussion is based on the
Socratic method of discussion based on open ended questioning. Students are
also exposed to various poetics.
Math:
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth graders work from textbooks a year above the one they are
in. In addition Sixth graders also work in the math strategies text
"Mathscapes". Students also work towards participation on our Math Olympiad Team. This team competes with other schools around the nation to solve higher level math problems.
Independent Learning:
All gifted students are to earn project points each quarter to be applied
to earn the monthly "Thinking Cap Award". These winners are given an hand crocheted cap and have his or her picture posted on the P.E.A.R.L. Fusion Blog (the gifted blog for Aire Libre & Ealge Ridge. P.E.A.R.L. stands for Pantera at Eagle Ridge & Aire Libre).
Student's also participate in A.R.G.s. A.R.G.s (Alternative Reality Game)
are a De Vinci Code style activity where persons try to solve a mystery by
using clues found in many types of media. In order to earn their Mad Hatter Tea Party for the end of the year. The students, as a group, must earn 1,000 White Rabbbit points. For more information on this
consult the October 2008 issue of Smithsonian Magazine.
Community:
..Paradise Valley
Education Association706 E. Bell Rd. Suite 214
Phoenix, Arizona 85022
602-992-8110
ARIZONA EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION345 East Palm Lane
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
www.arizonaea.org
Paradise Valley
Education Association
Professionals Promoting Student Success
