 “Activating
Inquisitive Minds” is a pullout program that serves the
needs of gifted students in Allen Independent School
District. The AIM program allows gifted students the
opportunity to work weekly with peers of similar
abilities.
The AIM curriculum challenges students to develop and
apply their talents through a variety of integrated,
multidisciplinary learning activities and projects. AIM
classroom activities focus on logic, problem solving,
higher order thinking skills, critical and creative
thinking.
Actual testing for identification at the elementary
level should only occur once within kindergarten – 2nd
grade and once in third – fifth grade. Additional
screening/testing may occur during spring assessments in
grades 2 and 5 for placement the following school year.
Mission
Statement
To implement a program that
meets the unique social, emotional and intellectual
needs of gifted and talented students through the
collaboration of students, educators, parents and
community members to ensure opportunities for maximum
growth and development for life-long success.
Program Goals
> Interdisciplinary Program
> Relevant Curriculum to Gifted Learners
> Strands of Group Interaction
> Strong Components of Critical Thinking and Creative
Exploration
> Divergent Questioning Models
> Self-Selected Learning for Students
> Independent Research Projects
Beliefs
> We believe the gifted have
unique educational needs that demand the nurture and
advocacy of a special academic program.
> We believe that children’s current educational needs
as well as their potential growth should guide our
practice.
> We believe that balanced programs for gifted students
provide for both cognitive and affective development.
> We believe it is essential for gifted students to
interact with their intellectual peers, as well as all
student peers.
> We believe that effective gifted programs prepare
students to become self-directed, life-long learners.
> We believe education for gifted students must
constantly challenge students in order to develop their
potential to become exceptional contributors to society.
The Gifted and
Talented Student
“A child or youth who performs
at or show the potential for performing at a remarkably
high level of accomplishment when compared to others of
the same age, experience or environment and who:
Exhibits high performance capability in an intellectual,
creative or artistic area;
Possesses an unusual capacity for leadership;
Excels in a specific academic field.”
(Source: Texas State Plan for the Education of
Gifted/Talented Students)
Thinking
Processes
Critical Thinking
Creative Thinking
Inductive/Deductive Reasoning
Spatial Relationships
Social Skills
Understanding Self & Others
Leadership
Teamwork
Citizenship
Learning Models
Bloom's Taxonomy
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences
Broad-Based Themes & Generalizations
Contact
Barbara
Myer
Gifted and Talented Coordinator
612 E. Bethany Drive
Allen, TX 75002
972.727.0332High Achiever
vs. Gifted
The high achieving
child…
Knows the answers.
Is interested.
Pays attention.
Works hard.
Answers questions.
Enjoys same-age peers.
Is good at memorizing.
Learns easily.
Listens well.
Is self-satisfied. |
The gifted child…
Asks the questions.
Is extremely curious.
Gets involved mentally and physically.
Plays around, still gets good scores.
Questions the answers.
Prefers adults or older children.
Is good at guessing.
Is bored. Already knew answers.
Shows strong feelings and opinions.
Is highly critical of self (perfectionist). |
|
|
