Dripping Springs
Gifted & Talented Program

Vision Statement:

In order to provide a substantive and differentiated curriculum for the G/T students in the area of higher order thinking skills, the focus of the student's education will be on specific strategies for problem solving, logical thinking and reasoning, independent research, effective communication, and cooperative learning which will produce effective members of society, as well as life long learners. In addition to the above the curriculum will emphasize leadership and creativity, as well as focusing on the affective domain.

Standards of the G/T Program:

• Greater Learner Responsibility
• Independent Learner-Based Instruction
• High Performance Expectations
• Compacted/Enriched Curriculum
• Emphasis on Creative Problem Solving

Primary School Goals

Students will be provided opportunities to:

• Increase student self-esteem.
• Logically think and reason.
• Creatively problem solve using strategies specific to either Language Arts or Math as appropriate.
• Interact with others of similar intellectual ability.
• Practice cooperative learning as well as self-directed learning.
• Research independently.

Highlights of Primary Program

• Portfolio assessment is used by all grade levels to help evaluate and identify students.
• Accountability for independent reading monitored with the Accelerated Reader Program.
• Participation in the Math Stars Program provides additional enrichment in mathematical problem solving skills.
• Future Problem Solving Program's six-step process used to develop originality, creativity, and elaboration.
• All teachers K-3 are trained in differentiating techniques to use across the curriculum for all students.

Intermediate School Goals

Students will be provided opportunities to:

• Increase student self-esteem.
• Think and reason logically.
• Solve problems creatively using strategies specific to the four core areas.
• Practice cooperative learning.
• Study the Latin language and its cultural influence.
• Continue with the coordination of and participating in the "Adopt-a-Grandparent" program.

Highlights of Intermediate Program

• Intermediate web page designed by fourth and fifth grade G/T Language Arts students.
• Participation in the Math Stars Program provides which enriches mathematical problem solving.
• Participation in the nationally acclaimed Future Problem Solving Program and qualifying for the finals at the Texas State Bowl.
• PowerPoint presentation(s) based on Independent Research Project, and a term paper including note cards, outline, rough draft, and bibliography.
• State wide recognition and awards from the Community Problem Solving Program AND the Texas State Department of Human Services for project helping the elderly.

Middle School Goals

Through a differentiated curriculum, DSMS G/T program students will be given experience and opportunities to:

• Recognize and accept their personal strengths and set and reach immediate and ultimate goals.
• Encourage appropriate risk-taking behaviors, while fostering acceptable outcomes, both positive and negative.
• Apply divergent, creative thinking in order to develop real world problem solving skills.
• Develop positive leadership abilities and become effective team members.
• Build self-discipline and a sense of social responsibility.
• Promote a tolerance for cultural diversity.
• Maximize the development of their academic abilities and create a desire for continuous challenged learning.

Highlights of Middle School Program

• G/T students served in Math, English, Social Studies and Science classes
• Pre AP Algebra for high school credit.
• Ritz Bits Showcase
• UIL Academic Competition
• Math Counts

High School Goals

• Expand Advanced Placement courses in Calculus BC, World History, French, and Environmental Science.
• Develop recognition program for Distinguished Achievement PRogram that includes a presentation on senior awards night.
• Increase cross curriculum planning between English and Social Studies.
• Coordinate with middle school concerning the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the high school Advanced Placement program.
• Establish Advanced Placement teachers' committee to discuss problems/concerns.
• Establish mentor and other gifted programs at the high school to meet the needs of gifted students who do not fit the Advanced Placement programs.

Highlights of the High School Program

• 141 students (49 in the formal G/T program) received qualifying scores on Advanced Placement exams during the '00-'01 school year with 83% obtaining a qualifying score. Among students in the high school G/T program, there was an 89% qualifying rate.
• Gifted students are qualifying for the State's new "Distinguished Achievement Program."
• Gifted students have consistently been among UIL regional and state qualifiers in academic events.
• The District currently offers fourteen (14) Advanced Placement courses with the goal of adding new courses each year. In addition, the G/T Program includes the direct teaching of critical thinking skills and a heavy emphasis on writing and speaking.
• Odyssey of the Mind as an after school program.
• Preparation and publication of an annual Historical Collection featuring original research in areas of local interest.
• New Humanities Program for Language Arts and Social Studies G/T students.

Gifted/Talented Coordinators

• Primary School- Amy Kadlecek
• Intermediate School-Janice Morris
• Middle School- Liz Wallin and Leslie Wittenburg
• High School- Janie Botkin

 

---