GAC+Minutes

November 28, 2011

send list of members of committee

Debbie went over the powerpoint- Emphasis was on our services being inclusive rather than exclusive, and providing services that fit the child, as opposed to the child fitting into a preconceived program. When Gifted Resource Teachers push into classrooms, several things happen:
 * Introductions**
 * they can assess kids within their normal setting to find kids who may be gifted but not test well when the CogAt is given,
 * lessons can be somewhat standardized across schools so that all "_nd" graders would get exposed to a certain number of lessons that we could then say all kids had been exposed to.
 * services are targeted to kids
 * services look different depending on the needs of the kids, the talent of the teachers involved, and how the kids fit into the whole picture of the classroom--if, for example there is a cluster of kids in the group that reads well above grade level, the teacher may handle it, but if there are only one or two, perhaps the GRT will do that.

Albemarle County has been working on Project Based Learning for several years, and we are truly trying to raise the bar for all kids, not just gifted. Moving beyond standardized recall curriculum to set up work that truly challenges all students at the appropriate level.

Parents are a huge part of their child's advocacy and need support from the GRT and classroom teachers both. Back to School/Parent Nights are important for parental understanding, as are frequent communications, through avenues like a web page, conferences, email, phone calls, etc.

We also look for under-represented populations to make sure we are not missing students who may have less traditional ways of showing their strengths. Kids do not have to be identified to be seen by the GRT, nor do identified kids need to be seen by the GRT to receive services. Services include the GRT supporting the teacher by providing materials, units, plans, help in and out of the classroom, etc.

How do GRTs reach out to parents who don't typically interact with school? GRTs go into classrooms to get to know all kids.

This committee's role is to think about the division perspective, not individual kids or schools.

Dr. Billy Haun came to talk about the upcoming online login for parents to be able to see their child's grades as they happen--will parent's expectations for timely feedback change? currently piloting with 46 kids and parents (who are also teachers); Second semester will involve at least one middle and one high school; goal is full implementation for fall 2012;
 * Parent Portal**

Committee members filled out a form to prep for discussion-- Let's maintain: Need more information about: Ideas for reductions: Ideas for initiatives: Topics for next meeting:
 * Budget Discussion**:
 * consideration for initiatives
 * considerations for reductions
 * considerations for areas to maintain
 * areas where I need more information
 * from the committee:**
 * flexible $ for GRTs to use in the building
 * staffing--maintain or preferably increase
 * inclusion model
 * driver's ed budget--it's a self sustaining budget
 * academies/talent searches/governor's schools/PVCC+UVA connections (pathways for kids to excellence)
 * 8 period day-offers more options for kids; challenges teachers to teach differently.
 * DI
 * websites for challenges for anyone cut-the-knot.org
 * Computer programming? (Scratch and Robotics, also Alice)
 * Increased staffing
 * professional development on differentiation
 * discretionary funds for GRTs to try new things
 * time for GRTs to try new things at least 3-4 times a year
 * opportunities for cross grade level work
 * TA time to support GRT (room parent?)
 * fund for students with potential, not just identified
 * technology for gifted kids
 * under-represented don't expect to go to college; can we create a positive peer group for those kids within school and across the division--summer academy of enrichment and plug the hole work to improve lifegoals/aim.
 * afterschool enrichment activities
 * computer programming and robotics in middle school CTE program
 * begin with survey
 * demographics
 * budget update
 * time is okay for meeting
 * bring your own food