Three Rivers Local School District

Academic Program for the Talented (Grades 3-8)

Academic Program for the Talented

The Three Rivers Local School District is committed to providing learning opportunities, which will enable each student to achieve
maximum personal growth and development. Gifted students possess unique learning abilities and talents that require special program services. Giftedness is not a single dimension of ability, but is a multi-dimensional concept; gifted students need direction to recognize their specific abilities and attain maximum development of their talents. Varied teaching strategies and program options in APT will foster a zest for learning through the development of thinking skills, research skills, creativity, and affective skills. Educational experiences will be provided which offer opportunities for gifted students to work with
intellectual peers.

APT Placement Criterion

Placement will be considered for students in grades 3-8 who meet state guidelines for
superior cognitive ability.

1)Total battery standardized achievement scores at the 95th percentile on an approved achievement test, and

2) A qualifying score on an approved cognitive ability test.

APT Format and Operation

Academic Program for the Talented in the Three Rivers Local School District is a pullout program; the children in APT leave their regular classrooms to participate in appropriate enrichment activities in the APT classroom. Grades 4-7 spend the equivalent of one instructional day per week in APT, while grades 3 and 8 spend one-half day a week in APT. All students are engaged in selected activities, which achieve the program goals and objectives.

APT Program Goals

1. Develop higher-level thinking skill of application, analysis, syntheses, and evaluation.
2. Develop the ability to think logically and critically.
3. Develop a variety of problem-solving skills and processes.
4. Develop creative thinking skills and processes.
5. Develop required skills to conduct various types of research resulting in a variety of end products.
6. Develop a variety of technology resources to enhance communication.
7. Develop affective skills related to self and others.
8. Develop a sense of responsibility and pursuit of excellence.

APT Student Objectives

Analyzing information presented
Evaluating information using various sets of criteria
Distinguishing between facts and inference
Identifying relationships that are cause and effect
Brainstorming a variety of possible solutions to a given problem
Evaluating possible solutions using a set of criteria
Accepting creative and unusual thought processes
Developing skills of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration
Using a variety of methods and resources to locate information for research purposes
Creating a variety of end products, which result from the research process
Developing and maintaining healthy self-esteem
Evaluating personal progress and performance on an ongoing basis

Homework in the Regular Classroom

On the day students are in APT and missing regular classes, it is expected that they will complete only those assignments which the classroom teacher feels are necessary for understanding a new concept and/or assignments which are basic to continuing a skill development. One extra day will be granted before such work is due. Students are not required to do every assignment given the class on APT day. It is redundant for students to drill on skills already mastered. Careful consideration is given as to what legitimately constitutes a pertinent assignment for the APT student.

Long term assignments generally are of the depth and magnitude and would be beneficial to all students. APT students will be expected to complete all such assignments.

APT Student Expectation

APT students are encouraged to be self-directed learners who stretch to reach their maximum potential. APT work is informally evaluated by self, peers, and teachers. At the end of each semester, APT progress reports will be sent home.

Common Characteristics of Academically Talented Students

Asks many questions, needs to know the why
Prefers talking about ideas and problems in a deep manner
Has much energy and a focused attention span
Feels strongly about many things and often expresses these feelings
Shows unusual capacity for originality, concentration, and hard work on special projects
Prefers the company of intellectual peers

Basic Needs of Gifted/Talented Students

Maximum achievement of basic skills and concepts
Learning activities at appropriate level and pace
Experiences in creative thinking and problem solving
Stimulation of imagery, imagination, spatial abilities
Development of self-awareness and acceptance of their own capacities, interests and needs
Stimulation to pursue higher-level goals and aspirations
Development of independence, self-direction and discipline in learning
Interaction with others like themselves

Website for Gifted/Talented Students

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) http://www.nagc.org

Ohio Association of Gifted Children (OAGC) http://www.oagc.com

National Research Center on the Gifted and the Talented (NRC/GT) http://www.ucc.uconn.edu/~wwwgt/

Advocates for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE) http://members.aol.com/AGATEpage/

The Association for the Gifted (TAG) http://www.cec.sped.org

Gifted and Talented Resources Home Page http://www.eskimo.com/~users/kids.html

APT Contacts

Jo Ann Henderson (513) 467-3500
APT Teacher

Marshall Brumback (513) 941-6400
Gifted Program Administrator