Humanities honors seminar
Active Learning/In-depth Study
Intellectual challenge in Expeditionary Learning (EL) focuses on active learning, student inquiry and in-depth study. At Polaris, EL gives the intellectually gifted student the motivation and the opportunity to go deeper into areas of his or her interest and to make connections to other disciplines. Differentiation within classes, independent study, honors options and the senior project all provide gifted and talented students intellectually challenging opportunities. Additionally, there is grade level programming specifically targeted at Gifted and Talented Students. Click here to view the programs for 2011-12.
Intellectual challenge in Expeditionary Learning (EL) focuses on active learning, student inquiry and in-depth study. At Polaris, EL gives the intellectually gifted student the motivation and the opportunity to go deeper into areas of his or her interest and to make connections to other disciplines. Differentiation within classes, independent study, honors options and the senior project all provide gifted and talented students intellectually challenging opportunities. Additionally, there is grade level programming specifically targeted at Gifted and Talented Students. Click here to view the programs for 2011-12.
Leadership and School Culture
PALS training in Lost Creek Wilderness
One of the markers of gifted and talented students is their exceptional potential for leadership. At Polaris we help gifted and talented students foster those skills through leadership opportunities and training such as Polaris Adventure Leadership School (PALS), trips, clubs and activities, and frequent presentations. The Expeditionary Learning model at Polaris also recognizes the individuality of gifted and talented students. Our small size and student/teacher ratio allow us to put a strong emphasis on fostering a school culture based on respect and collaboration.
Learning about poverty and food at Heifer International in rural Arkansas
Adventure, Intensives and Fieldwork
Three times a year students have the opportunity to participate in Adventure and/or Intensives. These week long learning experiences provide incredible opportunities not normally available to public school students. Gifted and talented students find challenge by being exposed to this kind of in-depth experiential learning. Likewise, the school year is punctuated with in-town field experiences which augment classroom learning.
Three times a year students have the opportunity to participate in Adventure and/or Intensives. These week long learning experiences provide incredible opportunities not normally available to public school students. Gifted and talented students find challenge by being exposed to this kind of in-depth experiential learning. Likewise, the school year is punctuated with in-town field experiences which augment classroom learning.
Guest speaker from Sudan
21st Century Skills
Expeditionary Learning at Polaris emphasizes real-world problem-solving and 21st century skills (digital literacy, critical thinking, collaboration and project management, global and cultural awareness). These recently adopted graduation requirements for the district are especially important for gifted students who typically have an intense drive to find relevancy and connections to the real world in their learning.
Expeditionary Learning at Polaris emphasizes real-world problem-solving and 21st century skills (digital literacy, critical thinking, collaboration and project management, global and cultural awareness). These recently adopted graduation requirements for the district are especially important for gifted students who typically have an intense drive to find relevancy and connections to the real world in their learning.
Identification
Identification of gifted and talented students in Poudre School District is based on a body of evidence including achievement scores (CSAP and MAPS), intellectual ability scores(CoGAT), behavior characteristics and performance. Current identification areas are Math, Language Arts, Creativity (pending), Leadership (pending)
Please link to the PSD Gifted and Talented page for more information about identification
Other Useful Links:
Expeditionary Learning
PSD - Gifted and Talented
National Association for Gifted Children
PSD graduation requirements and 21st century skills
Please link to the PSD Gifted and Talented page for more information about identification
Other Useful Links:
Expeditionary Learning
PSD - Gifted and Talented
National Association for Gifted Children
PSD graduation requirements and 21st century skills
GT Opportunities/Programs/Services at Polaris
- Advanced Learning Plans (ALP)
- Gifted and Talented Grade Level Opportunities
- Leadership Training and Opportunities (PALS)
- Adventure trips (domestic and international)
- Accelerated math classes
- Differentiation
- Multi-age groupings
- Honors options
- Chess club
- Concurrent enrollment with FRCC and CSU
- College and career planning
- Independent study
- Senior Project
Contacts
Deborah Warshaw, Teacher, Gifted and Talented Coordinator dwarshaw@psdschools.org, 970.488.8280
Rhae Reiker, Counselor treiker@psdschools.org 970.488.8269
Mary Ellen Quinn, Office Manager, mquinn@psdschools.org, 970.488.8260
Rhae Reiker, Counselor treiker@psdschools.org 970.488.8269
Mary Ellen Quinn, Office Manager, mquinn@psdschools.org, 970.488.8260
