Learner Agency Through Talent Development

Key Program Elements

1. WHOLE CHILD DEVELOPMENT

  • Culture and diversity is celebrated; students speak 14 languages, including Spanish and Somali.
    Core values are taught and celebrated; we strive for “healthy, expressive and enlightened” students.
  • Student talent exploration in academic and non-academic interests and abilities is taught and celebrated.
    Wellness supports include counselor, psychologist, restorative justice coordinator, dean of culture and a mental health partnership with Mental Health Center of Denver.
  • Family engagement is a priority, including early childhood outreach and education.
    Community/school partnerships in the arts, leadership and athletics.
  • Extended day childcare before and after school.
  • Birth to 3-year-old program includes partnerships with DPS, Mile High Early Learning and University of Colorado Denver (UCD).

2. STUDENT TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Schoolwide talent identification process in ECE through fifth grade using research-based tools.
  • All students have equal access to explore their talents in humanities, math and science, languages, arts, leadership and athletics.
  • Talent pool students are given access to GT servicing through both core instruction and GT teacher supplemental instruction.
  • “Twice-exceptional” identification and programming.

3. CHALLENGING STANDARDS-BASED ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION

  • Instruction is planned to reach high standards; scaffold to support student acceleration and mastery.
  • GT practices include problem-based learning, differentiation, compacting, scaffolding, acceleration and cluster grouping.
  • Our school-developed, standards-based curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills, social justice and humanities, and is differentiated to meet the needs of students and highlight cultural responsiveness.
  • Full-day 3- and 4-year-old early childhood education program.
  • English language development and biliteracy supports for native speakers of other languages; pathway to biliteracy recognition.

4. HIGH-LEVEL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

  • Electives include art, music, dance, languages, physical education and technology.
  • Talent expos are expressive (art show), enlightened (leadership forum) and healthy (field day).
  • Afterschool enrichment includes drama, leadership, Legos, soccer, running, architecture, careers and languages.
  • Competitive clubs for academic and non-academic interests.
  • Field studies, including business visits, mentoring, community service, and college-to-career exposure.

5. INNOVATIVE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

  • Teacher-development pipeline program with UC Denver.
  • All teachers receive training on Gifted and Talented instructional practices.
  • Opportunities for teachers to pursue advanced certifications. Extended time for collaboration and planning.
  • Teacher leaders provide coaching, feedback and leadership development.