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District explores new direction for advanced academics
Guided by research of best practices for gifted students, Pearland ISD is redesigning the gifted and talented program to include larger groups of students in one classroom rather than smaller groups in pull-out programs.
Pearland ISD trustees adopted the new design at their July 14 meeting, hoping to promote higher student achievement.
The change will encourage gifted students to study topics in greater depth, tackle independent projects, develop creativity and work at a more advanced pace while continuing to meet state grade-level standards.
Previously, identified GT students in kindergarten through fourth grade participated in a pull-out program twice weekly. Now, at most elementary campuses, the new program will include larger groups of gifted students in one classroom.
In middle school and junior high, gifted students will be grouped together in advanced classes with teachers who have specialized GT training.
While the design change resulted in teacher reassignments, Pearland ISD worked to ensure new positions for the six teachers who formerly taught pull-out programs.
District-wide, to meet the needs of gifted students, teachers will receive additional training and use a specialized curriculum. In addition, Pearland ISD will hire two advanced academics specialists to facilitate training, develop curriculum, model lessons and articulate the vision and focus of advanced academics.
“With our increased focus on high achievement, the advanced academics specialists will work with curriculum specialists and lead teachers to develop and align specialized curriculum, creating a ‘culture of academics,’” Margo Gigee, advanced academics team leader, said.
Look for future articles on Pearland ISD advanced academics in the coming weeks. For more information, contact Gigee at 281-485-3203.
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