Student Handbook
Academics
The Gifted Program at Estes Elementary serves students who have a need for differentiated curriculum. Formal identification begins in 4th grade. There is a nomination period each fall. Buncombe County uses multiple criteria to determine the degree of need for differentiation. The criteria include: aptitude (intelligence) testing, achievement testing, teacher observation of typical gifted characteristics, teacher documentation of the need for differentiation, student grades and work samples.
Formally Identified Gifted Students Grade 4 (AIG)
Cluster Grouping in heterogeneously classrooms(a minimum of five gifted students) placed in a classroom where the teacher has had some training in gifted education.
Curriculum differentiation in classrooms under the advisement of the Gifted Specialist.
Gifted reference materials and teaching resources available on loan to K-4 classroom teachers.
Enrichment Groups with the Gifted Specialist with curriculum designed for gifted students. Much of this curriculum focuses on Project and Problem Based Learning which are authentic and relevant learning experiences that nurture creative and critical thinking skills. Students are also exposed to a variety of mathematical problem solving. Units and activities are all aligned with NC New Essential Standards and Gifted Education Programming Standards.
Grade 3: Talent Development: Students who show gifted potential in 3rd grade
Nominated by classroom teachers
Enrichment Groups with the Gifted Specialist with curriculum designed for gifted students. Much of this curriculum focuses on mathematical problem solving with an introduction to algebra as well as activities that nurture creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. Mini project based learning units are also included that have real world relevance. Units and activities are all aligned with NC New Essential Standards and Gifted Education Programming Standards.
Grades 1 and 2: Problem Solvers: Students who show gifted potential in Grades 1 and 2
Nominated by teachers as students who exhibit gifted characteristics
Enrichment Groups with the Gifted Specialist with curriculum designed for gifted students. Much of this curriculum focuses on Project and Problem Based Learning which are authentic and relevant learning experiences that nurture creative and critical thinking skills as well as mathematical problem solving and analogy exercises. Units and activities are all aligned with NC New Essential Standards and Gifted Education Programming Standards
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns:
rhonda.sizemore@bcsemail.org
Estes Elementary 654-1795