PROFESSI0NAL DEVELOPMENT

Faculty members K-6 are provided with training in the characteristics of gifted and talented students, as well as in the differentiation and acceleration of curriculum. Teachers attended the annual CAG conference in Palm Springs, and shared insights with their peers.  Based on her excellent lecture at the conference, Susan Winebrenner’s book, Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom, was purchased for and provided to each member of the faculty.

Each spring, the staff completes an extensive survey developed by the GATE Coordinator.  The survey assesses the staff’s need for more information on gifted and talented students, differentiated instruction, and instructional resources.  Based on the survey results, a staff development plan was created. During the 2005-06 school year, all classroom teachers participated in an all day workshop with Susan Winebrenner that provided strategies and models for differentiating instruction to meet
the needs of gifted students.  Four teachers attended the Jim DeLisle workshop and five attended the CAG conference.  Next fall, teachers will all participate in training in the effective use of Renzulli Learning, a web-based differentiation tool. 

A certificated teacher identified as the GATE coordinator administers the GATE Program at Cold Spring School.  The GATE coordinator’s responsibilities include: coordinating and evaluating the district’s GATE program in consultation with the Advisory Committee, teachers and parents, writing and revising the GATE plan and application, arranging and conducting parent meetings and educational opportunities, arranging for staff development, providing resources for classroom teachers, and serving as a liaison between parents, administrators, various committees and the Board of Trustees.