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.
  • Student talent exploration in academic and non-academic interests and abilities is taught and celebrated.
  • Wellness supports include counselor, psychologist, dean of culture
  • 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.

2. STUDENT TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT

  • School wide 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, dance, and physical education
  • Weekly advisory classes during the school day every Thursday are offered in 6-8 week cycles and include student choice in arts, athletics, leadership and STEM
  • Field studies, mentoring, and college-to-career exposure.

5. INNOVATIVE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

  • Teacher-development pipeline program with CU 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.