Underlying Philosophy of Gifted & Talented Programs
Philosophy
The philosophy of Willowcreek's Gifted/Talented Programs is integrally connected to the District mission statement. The District's instructional programs for gifted and talented students are based on the principles that all students are to receive an education appropriate to their individual capabilities, interests, and needs, and that students have learning opportunities that help develop their abilities to the highest level.
The mission of Willowcreeks's Gifted Programs is to advocate for appropriate educational opportunities for the diverse population of high ability students. We believe that all children have the right to be educated in an environment wherein real and measurable learning occurs.
Our goals include:
The philosophy of Willowcreek's Gifted/Talented Programs is integrally connected to the District mission statement. The District's instructional programs for gifted and talented students are based on the principles that all students are to receive an education appropriate to their individual capabilities, interests, and needs, and that students have learning opportunities that help develop their abilities to the highest level.
The mission of Willowcreeks's Gifted Programs is to advocate for appropriate educational opportunities for the diverse population of high ability students. We believe that all children have the right to be educated in an environment wherein real and measurable learning occurs.
Our goals include:
- Advancing the understanding that students, parents and the community have of the unique and exceptional academic and social/emotional needs of high ability children;
- Increasing the capacity of administrators, parents, and the community to be agents of positive change in the lives of high ability children.
- Promoting the development of quality services for high ability students at Willowcreek Middle School.
- Ensuring that high ability students learn and practice the academic and social skills necessary to succeed in school (including higher education) and in life.
Inquiry Model
Why Ask Questions?
Project Based Learning
Students who participate in project based learning should understand larger concepts and ideas. Be careful of Impoverished Deep Learning
Surface Learning, Deep Learning, Transferal Learning
"Children as well as adults are creative, not by virtue of an innate ability, but by virtue of a set of decision. In essence they decide for creativity."
Robert Sternberg
How to Think/ Act/ Perform more Creatively?
- What do I already know?
- How can I take what I know and apply it effectively?
- How can I take what I know and apply it creatively? (new approaches & Pathways)
- How can I take what I know and use it to improve my attitude about challenging situations?
- What tools and resources are available, how can they help?
So.... What is Giftedness?....
"Giftedness is exceptionally advanced subject specific ability at a particular point in time ,and in a praticular context, such that an individual's educational needs cannot be well met without making significant adaptation to the curriculum or providing other learning opportunities."
Matthew & Foster, Being Smart About Gifted Educaiton.
