Supporting Gifted Students
Hello Parents and Guardians!
My name is Ms. Walker. I am the Talent Development Catalyst teacher that will be providing your child with gifted and talented curriculum and instruction. In this newsletter you will find information about how I will be serving your child this year, as well as recommendations for you on how you can support your child's academic needs at home.
Talent Development Catalyst Program
The Charlotte Mecklenburg School District has created a special program to support academically gifted students, known as the Talent Development Catalyst Program. As a Talent Development Catalyst Teacher I support gifted students in elementary school through multiple platforms.
How will I meet with your student?
This year I will work with your student and other students on the same academic level in a small group setting. This will provide the opportunity for your student to interact with peers on their academic level. This is especially important for the intellectual growth of students that have been identified as "gifted". This setting will also allow me to differentiate, or change the curriculum, to meet your child's specific learning needs.
How will I make learning purposeful?
This year I will collaborate on an ongoing basis with your child's classroom teacher. I will provide resources and support, so that your child will receive the instruction they require to meet their advanced needs throughout the school day. If scheduling allows, I may even be able to co-teach a lesson with your student's classroom teacher. All instruction provided in small groups will coincide with what your child is learning or has learned in their regular education classroom.
How will I differentiate instruction to meet your student's needs?
During small group time your student will learn advanced concepts that are above their regular grade level curriculum. They will also practice problem based learning, as well as higher order questioning with an emphasis on group discussion. Problem based learning focuses on the student's ability to determine solutions to challenging problems without the immediate assistance of the teacher. This type of learning fosters critical thinking skills and self-motivation. Higher order questioning focuses on open-ended questions which are meant to inspire deeper understanding and critical thinking, The CMS Talent Development office also provides curriculum programs that focus on critical thinking skills such as: M3 (problem based math program), Jacob's Ladder, and the William and Mary Curriculum( literacy programs that focus on higher order thinking skills). Please see links below to access more information about gifted education curriculum and programs.
Contact Information
E-mail: johnnal.walker@cms.k12.nc.us
Phone
-Lake Wylie: 980-343-3680
-Allenbrook: 980-343-6004
