High Ability
Click to review the High Ability Handbook.Please click a title below for more information on the high ability topic:
Helpful Websites
- NAGC-National Association for the Gifted
- IAG-Indiana Association for the GiftedIAG-Indiana Association for the Gifted
- Hoagies-informational site for all things "Gifted"Hoagies-informational site for all things "Gifted"
- IDOE-Indiana Dept. of Education- Gifted Services InfoIDOE-Indiana Dept. of Education- Gifted Services Info
- High Ability Services Handbook-Sunman DearbornHigh Ability Services Handbook-Sunman Dearborn
Books/Resources
- The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide (For Ages 10 and Under)The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide (For Ages 10 and Under)
- The Gifted Kids Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook
- The Gifted Teen Survival Guide: Smart, Sharp, and Ready for (Almost) Anything
- The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids: How to Understand, Live With, and Stick Up for Your Gifted ChildThe Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids: How to Understand, Live With, and Stick Up for Your Gifted Child
- A Parent's Guide to Gifted ChildrenA Parent's Guide to Gifted Children
- Freeing our Families from PerfectionismFreeing our Families from Perfectionism
- What to Do When Good Isn't Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism: A Guide For KidsWhat to Do When Good Isn't Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism: A Guide For Kids
Booklists
Local Psychologists
- Edward Amend, Psy.D, Amend Psychological Services, Lexington - Phone: (859) 269-6465, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Suzanne M. James, Psy.D, 305 Artillery Park Drive Suite 102, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 Phone: 859-426-0200 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Local Programs for Gifted Students
- Super Saturday
- GERI-Purdue Summer CampsGERI-Purdue Summer Camps
- Indiana Academy Saturday Adventure CampsIndiana Academy Saturday Adventure Camps
- Destination ImaginationDestination Imagination
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical GardenCincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Cincinnati Museum CenterCincinnati Museum Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Junior Great Books?
A: Books that combine reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and collaborative discussion. They are used in High Ability Cluster classrooms as an enrichment in Language Arts. http://www.greatbooks.org/programs-for-all-ages/junior.html
Q: What are CML and IML?
A: Continental Math League - CML experiences are designed to both maximize student opportunites to participate and to improve their problem solving capabilities. Both mathematical skills and reading skills are improved for students participating at all levels.
Indiana Math League - Every contest has questions from different areas of mathematics. The goal is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems. Many students first develop an interest in mathematics through problem-solving activities such as these contests.
Q: What data is used for identification?
A: A multifaceted assessment plan is utilized to identify students who require gifted services. Students are given the Otis Lennon School Ability Test 8 (OLSAT 8) or CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) as part of the identification process. (Testing years are in transition due to grade levels added to elementary and middle school buildings. See Transition of years in Appendix M of the 2016 Handbook.) Other achievement data is gathered to be considered as part of the identification process. (See Appendix F of the Gifted Services handbook for a list of measures used at each grade level.)
Q: What is an appeal?
A: Teachers, administrators, and/or parents may appeal on behalf of a student not placed for gifted services. Additional testing will be provided if it is warranted. The appeal should be accompanied by any additional information that the stakeholder feels should be considered in make a decision regarding the student's placement. (See Appendix H of the High Ability Services Handbook for an appeal request form.)
Q: What is classroom cluster grouping?
A: Sunman-Dearborn utilizes a schoolwide cluster grouping model in grades 1-5. Identified High Ability students are grouped together in classrooms along with other students grouped by their achievement levels. Classroom compositions are carefully structured with two main goals:1) to ensure a balance of abilities throughout the grade level and 2) to reduce the learning range in every classroom. All classes in the grade level have students with a range of learning abilities and levels.
Q: What is differentiation?
A: Differentiation is an approach to teaching that provides different ways to acquire content, to process, and to develop products so that each student can learn effectively. It is an approach that meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Students are not all typically working on the same content, at the same pace or with the same group in a differentiated classroom. Grouping should be fluid. It can also be based on readiness, ability, achievement, interests and learning preferences.
A: Books that combine reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and collaborative discussion. They are used in High Ability Cluster classrooms as an enrichment in Language Arts. http://www.greatbooks.org/programs-for-all-ages/junior.html
Q: What are CML and IML?
A: Continental Math League - CML experiences are designed to both maximize student opportunites to participate and to improve their problem solving capabilities. Both mathematical skills and reading skills are improved for students participating at all levels.
Indiana Math League - Every contest has questions from different areas of mathematics. The goal is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems. Many students first develop an interest in mathematics through problem-solving activities such as these contests.
Q: What data is used for identification?
A: A multifaceted assessment plan is utilized to identify students who require gifted services. Students are given the Otis Lennon School Ability Test 8 (OLSAT 8) or CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) as part of the identification process. (Testing years are in transition due to grade levels added to elementary and middle school buildings. See Transition of years in Appendix M of the 2016 Handbook.) Other achievement data is gathered to be considered as part of the identification process. (See Appendix F of the Gifted Services handbook for a list of measures used at each grade level.)
Q: What is an appeal?
A: Teachers, administrators, and/or parents may appeal on behalf of a student not placed for gifted services. Additional testing will be provided if it is warranted. The appeal should be accompanied by any additional information that the stakeholder feels should be considered in make a decision regarding the student's placement. (See Appendix H of the High Ability Services Handbook for an appeal request form.)
Q: What is classroom cluster grouping?
A: Sunman-Dearborn utilizes a schoolwide cluster grouping model in grades 1-5. Identified High Ability students are grouped together in classrooms along with other students grouped by their achievement levels. Classroom compositions are carefully structured with two main goals:1) to ensure a balance of abilities throughout the grade level and 2) to reduce the learning range in every classroom. All classes in the grade level have students with a range of learning abilities and levels.
Q: What is differentiation?
A: Differentiation is an approach to teaching that provides different ways to acquire content, to process, and to develop products so that each student can learn effectively. It is an approach that meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Students are not all typically working on the same content, at the same pace or with the same group in a differentiated classroom. Grouping should be fluid. It can also be based on readiness, ability, achievement, interests and learning preferences.