COLD SPRING SCHOOL DISTRICT

2006-7 SCHOOL YEAR

PROGRAM DESIGN

The needs of gifted and talented students at Cold Spring School are addressed in a variety of ways, throughout grade levels and across the disciplines. The GATE program, which addresses the academic as well as the unique affective needs of gifted and talented students, is accessible to all students. Parent involvement is an integral component of the program, and is achieved through participation on the GATE committee and parent educational opportunities. Cold Spring School is committed to the provision of outstanding training for all teachers, and is constantly in the process of implementing this goal. The students at Cold Spring benefit from stellar visual and performing arts programs, and the educational experience is enriched by strong ties to local institutions of higher learning, such as Westmont College and UCSB. Technology is integrated into the curriculum standards, a process which is facilitated by a computer specialist and a technology lab. The GATE Plan, which has been reviewed by the GATE Advisory Committee and the School Site Council, and approved by the Board of Trustees, outlines the specific program design, and clearly defines the philosophy and goals of our program. This plan is provided to parents of GATE students and is accessible to all members of the community in the office or on the Cold Spring School web site.

A certificated teacher designated as the GATE coordinator administers the GATE Program at Cold Spring in conjunction with the GATE Advisory Committee, which consists of the superintendent/ principal, teachers and parents. The Advisory Committee meets regularly to review and evaluate the GATE program. To facilitate evaluation of the program, the committee surveys teachers and parents each year.

Teachers at Cold Spring have received training in the identification of gifted learners and their unique affective needs. Students in kindergarten and grades one to three are not formally identified, but the classroom teachers develop differentiated instructional programs to meet the needs of students who demonstrate mastery of State Content Standards and exhibit characteristics of giftedness. Students in grades four through six are formally identified and a variety of program modifications are created to respond to the needs of these students. The teachers in kindergarten and grades one to six communicate instructional goals and program modifications to the parents of high achieving and gifted students at the fall parent teacher conferences and seek parent input and collaboration in the development of each student's program.

Instructional strategies and curriculum provided to meet the needs of gifted and talented students are integrated into the core instructional program of the school. Teachers at all grade levels have received training in curriculum acceleration and differentiation. Based on multiple assessment measures, students are placed in groupings that are appropriate for their academic and affective needs. Students K-6 are served in the regular classroom setting, during the course of the school day. Cluster grouping or part time groupings are provided in math and reading, and depth and complexity is added to the State Content Standards, across the disciplines in a variety of ways (see Curriculum and Instruction). GATE students in all grades are required to meet or exceed all content standards, and must demonstrate mastery of content standards before acceleration takes place.

Student progress is assessed regularly, formally three times per year and informally on an ongoing basis. Communication between teachers of various grade levels is used to determine appropriate placement of gifted students. Materials are available to classroom teachers for acceleration in math and reading. Sixth grade teachers meet each spring with GATE administrators of Santa Barbara Junior High School in order to determine appropriate placement of incoming GATE students.

Parents are provided with information regarding the program through the school newsletter, district mailings, the school website, and parent educational opportunities. Information is provided to parents regarding the characteristics and unique needs of gifted students as well as suggestions for parental involvement and support.

Staff training in differentiated instruction and the needs of gifted students is on-going. Our school site counselor is trained in the affective needs of gifted students and is available to meet with students upon referrals from teachers and/or parents.

It is our goal to work together to further strengthen all of these components and ensure that resources are allocated to best serve the gifted and talented students at Cold Spring School.