A key mission of Elementary School District 102 is to develop the academic abilities and personal attributes of all students. We believe that within our student population are high ability learners, those who possess either high levels of performance or high levels of potential in a variety of academic areas and/or expressions of talent. Because these high levels are found in children from all backgrounds and experiences, homes and schools must work together to discover these students, meet their educational needs, and monitor their academic, social, and emotional growth.
The school district will strive to provide challenging, appropriate curriculum for all learners, including those who
perform (or have the potential to perform) at high levels. This intent is best accomplished within the school district through a variety of services and settings targeting specific learner needs; some of which might not ordinarily be provided in the core curriculum. The school and the community will make it a priority to match services and settings inside and outside of the general classroom with the unique intellectual, social, and emotional needs of high ability students.
District 102 believes that by designing specialized programs intended to enhance district curriculum and develop talent, we will foster within high ability learners individual excellence through advanced understandings and skills. By nurturing and challenging all students to their fullest potential, we will prepare future leaders and lifelong learners for an ever-changing world.
Please visit this site often to keep abreast of the exciting evolution during our journey in developing the Talent Development Services Program. Feel free to contact me at langera@dist102.k12.il.us or 708-215-7123. By working together, we can increase the thinking abilities of all learners.
Randy Lange, PhD
Talent Development Services Program Coordinator
Welcome/Overview to the Talent Development Program
Greetings and Welcome!
I hope that you find the information here to be useful in better understanding District 102's Talent Development Program. If you scroll down, you will be able to see a very brief overview of key areas of the program. The Program Guide is found on the Talent Development link off the District 102 homepage. This is an excellent resource to gain further insights into our program. Feel free to contact me at anytime with questions or ideas.
During my graduate studies at the University of Iowa, I told my advisor that I hoped to use my "learning" to be a catalyst for change. Because of the District 102 initiative to develop a program for high ability students (that began in Spring 2008), I have been given the incredible opportunity (and challenge) to fulfill a dream birthed in Iowa City. It is my professional goal to assist in the development of a program that promotes excellence in education through an enriching experience for all learners, including our high ability student population. The following five visionary statements build a solid foundation for a student-centered program and steer my thinking in this endeavor.
- The program will be research-based, defensible, and flexible.
- The program will develop academic talent.
- The program will consist of multiple services that are based on varying degrees of educational need.
- The program will promote the development of thinking in all learners.
- The program will reflect the belief that high ability is found in all types of learners.
I am proud of what we have accomplished up to this point in the development of the program. I appreciate all those who have worked with me since I began here in July 2008. There are too many people to thank, but I couldn't have done this alone. I would also like to recognize the efforts to meet the needs of high ability students made by staff and families prior to my joining the District 102 community.
Please visit this site often to keep abreast of the exciting evolution during our journey in developing the Talent Development Program. Feel free to contact me at langera@dist102.k12.il.us or 708-215-7123. By working together, we can increase the thinking abilities of all learners.
Thinking is a gift!!!
Randy Lange, PhD
Talent Development Program Coordinator
OVERVIEW OF THE TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
*For a printable copy of this brief overview - CLICK HERE
MISSION OF THE TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A key mission of Elementary School District 102 is to develop the academic abilities and personal attributes of all students. We believe that within our student population are high ability learners, those who possess either high levels of performance or high levels of potential in a variety of academic areas and/or expressions of talent. Because these high levels are found in children from all backgrounds and experiences, homes and schools must work together to discover these students, meet their educational needs, and monitor their academic, social, and emotional growth.
The school district will strive to provide challenging, appropriate curriculum for all learners, including those who perform (or have the potential to perform) at high levels. This intent is best accomplished within the school district through a variety of services and settings targeting specific learner needs; some of which might not ordinarily be provided in the core curriculum. The school and the community will make it a priority to match services and settings inside and outside of the general classroom with the unique intellectual, social, and emotional needs of high ability students.
District 102 believes that by designing specialized programs intended to enhance district curriculum and develop talent, we will foster within high ability learners individual excellence through advanced understandings and skills. By nurturing and challenging all students to their fullest potential, we will prepare future leaders and lifelong learners for an ever-changing world.
DEFINITION OF HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS
Learners who demonstrate the aptitude (or possess the potential) for exceptional mastery of skills and knowledge in any field when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. High ability is present in learners from all cultural groups and across all economic strata.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SERVICES
The Program has three services - Classroom-based Differentiation Service, Acceleration Service, and Individual Student Planning Service. Explanations of each of the services can be found in the Talent Development Program Guide.
District 102 has subject-based acceleration in language arts, mathematics, French, and Spanish. Placement in the language arts and mathematics classes is based on established identification protocols. Any student who successfully completes two years of French or Spanish at Park Junior High School will be placed in an accelerated class that can replace either French I or Spanish I at LTHS. (Placement into French II or Spanish II as a freshman requires that students meet the criteria established by LTHS. These are typically a target score on the high school placement exam and a teacher rating from the Park Junior High World Language Department.)
The accelerated language arts and mathematics classes in District 102 are listed in the charts below. Please keep in mind that these charts only encompass the accelerated classes. District 102 offers a variety of other enrichment/challenge opportunities during and outside of the school day.
Accelerated Language Arts
| GRADE | CLASS |
| 5 | Literary Investigations I |
| 6 | Literary Investigations II |
| 7 | Humanities Connections I |
| 8 |
Humanities Connections II |
Accelerated Mathematics
| GRADE | CLASS |
| 3 | Mathematical Investigations I |
| 4 | Mathematical Investigations II |
| 5 | Algebraic Investigations I |
| 6 | Algebraic Investigations II |
| 7* |
Pre-Algebra-OR- Algebra Accelerated |
| 8* |
Algebra Accelerated -OR- Honors Geometry |
*A small percentage of 7th grade students are placed in Algebra Accelerated and then go to LTHS for Honors Geometry in grade 8.
IDENTIFICATION
The philosophy of the Talent Development Program is to develop the individual talent or strengths in ALL students. By having three service levels, more students have access to opportunities and interventions that develop talent.
There are district established identification protocols that can be found on the main Gifted Education link of the District 102 homepage. This document is updated each school year. Placement in the accelerated classes tap objective and subjective data. District 102 uses local norms for all standardized tests in determining accelerated placement. The philosophy of the accelerated service is to possess as much evidence as possible that suggests a student would be successful in an accelerated placement through 8th grade (and beyond.) As a result, the total percentage of students identified for an accelerated strand (language arts or mathematics) is smaller initially, but increases by 7th and 8th grade.
For Language Arts, standardized reading achievement, verbal reasoning, written expression, Common Core Standards proficiency, and teacher rating (classroom performance is reflected in the rating) are the key components. For Mathematics, standardized mathematics achievement, nonverbal and quantitative reasoning, fact mastery, Common Core Standards proficiency, and teacher rating (classroom performance is reflected in the rating) are the key components. Individual placement reviews can be requested by teachers/staff or families. Because additional data needs to be collected for a placement review, the process takes up to three months before a decision is rendered.
For classroom-based differentiation and individual student planning, teams of teachers and individual classroom teachers are given the liberty to form groups based on the needs and profiles of their specific group. These groupings are NOT considered part of the accelerated service. The criteria teams and teachers use can be much different than the established identification protocols for an accelerated class. Teachers are always encouraged to collect work samples to serve as relevant evidence in accelerated class placement decisions.
IMPORTANT PROGRAM DATES
Please note that this does NOT include all events that might be considered important by your family. Please be sure to visit the District 102 webpage as well as newsletters/notifications from your individual school and/or classrooms. Dr. Lange also maintains an email list that receives notice of upcoming events. If you are interested in being included in this group, please contact me. Questions regarding district assessments dates can be addressed by contacting the District 102 Assessment Coordinator.
June - Grade 7 & 8 Humanities Connections Summer Reading
July/August - S.O.A.R. Enrichment Summer Session
September - Registration Opens for Talent Search Testing
November - Civic Weekend through Center for Talent Development (Northwestern University)
January - Cognitive Abilities Testing (Grades 4 and 6)
February - WSCAE Regional Science Fair (Grades 7 and 8)
May - WSCAE ACT/SAT Recognition Ceremony
District 102 Recognition Ceremony
“To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.”
- Mother Teresa
RESOURCES
The National Association for Gifted Children has information regarding how to advocate for a high ability child. The link to this is: CLICK HERE (http://www.nagc.org/get-involved/advocate-high-ability-learners). There are more detailed resources for families on the main Gifted Education link of the District 102 homepage. District 102 also has a lending library of books related to gifted education and high ability students. If you are interested in this collection, please contact Randy Lange (langera@sd102.org). I have highlighted a few resources (with live links here). This is by no means to be considered the priority resources OR an exhaustive list.
- Center for Talent Development (Northwestern University)
- Davidson Institute for Talent Development
- Hoagies Gifted Education Page
- Illinois Association for Gifted Children
- National Association for Gifted Children
- Talent Search Testing (NUMATS)
ENRICHMENT CLASSES & CAMPS
***S.O.A.R. (Sessions of Aptitude Rising) Please keep in mind that District 102 hosts several sessions of S.O.A.R. during the course of the year AND summer.
***All of the museums in Chicago host programs and camps for young people.
- Center for Talent Development (Northwestern University - but classes closer to D102)
- Fermilab
- GERI (Purdue University)
- Midwest Torrance Center for Creativity
- Moraine Valley Community College
- STEM Outreach (Northern Illinois University)
- Youth Education (College of DuPage)
- Summer@IMSA (Illinois Mathematics and Science Center)
- Summer Gifted and Talented Program (Dominican University)
- Summer on the Brain (The University of Iowa)
Talent Development Family Resources
Enrichment Opportunities
As stated in the District 102 Mission Statement for the Talent Development Program, "The school and the community will make it a priority to match services and settings inside and outside of the general classroom with the unique intellectual, social, and emotional needs of high ability students."To complement our efforts to offer enrichment for all students, opportunities that exist within the community will be shared with our families. You may access a list of various opportunities below. (THE LIST WILL BE COMING SOON.) Distribution of information and materials from outside agencies through the school district does not imply District 102 endorsement.
This directory of enrichment opportunities will include summer offerings as well.
This will be an on-going list, so please contact Randy Lange for opportunities that could be added. Free things are of particular interest.
Family Lending Library
The Talent Development Program has started a collection of resources related to high ability children and their education. These books and articles are available upon request. The books may be checked out for three weeks. The articles will be copied for you to keep.If you are interested in the list of resources in the collection or interested in donating a book, please contact Randy Lange at langera@dist102.k12.il.us.
Here is a sample of our exciting titles:
The Boredom Solution
Deal, L.
Bringing Out the Best: A Guide for Parents of Young Gifted Children
J. Saunders & P. Espeland
How to Parent So Children Will Learn: Clear Strategies for Raising Happy, Achieving Children
Rimm, S.
Letting Go of Perfect: Overcoming Perfectionism in Kids
Adelson, J. & Wilson, H.
Life in the Fast Brain: Keeping Up with Gifted Minds
Isaacson, K. L. J.
A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children
Webb, J. T., Gore, J. L., Amend, E. R., & DeVries, A. R.
Raisin’ Brains: Surviving My Smart Family
Isaacson, K. L. J.
The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids
Walker, S. Y.
They Say My Kid’s Gifted: Now What?
Olenchak, R.
Academic Talent Search
District 102 participates in the Talent Search process. Traditionally, we have made the families aware of the Talent Search conducted by Northwestern University (NUMATS.) In 2011-2012, School District 102 worked with the Belin Blank Center at The University of Iowa to host its own Talent Search for the EXPLORE test at grades 4-6. ACT and SAT tests are administered through NUMATS. The Talent Search program is offered to mathematically and verbally talented students. Students can access above-grade-level tests (tests meant for older students) and receive help in interpreting test results and planning their future educational path. Research has shown that when high ability students take above-grade-level-tests (EXPLORE, ACT, or SAT) the results help parents, teachers, and students learn more about the true potential of these academically talented individuals.
District 102 selects grade 4-8 students to recommend for participation in the Talent Search in a variety of ways - being identified for the acceleration service of the Talent Development Program, past Talent Search invitation and/or participation, or achievement test scores. The achievement test score criteria used by District 102 is detailed in the link at the end of this page. CLICK HERE FOR INVITATION PROTOCOL
The suggested eligibility provided by Northwestern University is used as a guide for District 102's eligibility criteria. Because the tests used are out-of-level and rigorous, the experience can be stressful for students whose educational needs don't match the Talent Search purpose. District 102 is careful to establish criteria that selects students whose readiness is best matched through taking these tests.
Parents/guardians who feel their child would benefit from participating in the Talent Search may register for the testing through either School District 102 or Northwestern University without a recommendation from the school district. Northwestern offers the following guidelines for students recommended by families: demonstrate advanced aptitude in verbal or mathematical reasoning, consistently performs in the top 10% of their grade level on tests and assessments, perform exceptionally well in academically demanding course work in school, and consistently look for more challenging experiences.
The EXPLORE test was originally developed for 8th grade students to measure educational achievement in English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT focuses directly on academic skills taught as part of the standard college preparatory curriculum English, mathematics, reading, and science. The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. It includes a critical reading, a math, and a writing section.
In 2009, 171 students at the elementary level and 117 students at the junior high level were recommended for NUMATS. (In 2008, 198 students at the elementary level and 122 students at the junior high level were recommended.) Because School District 102 is a member of the West Suburban Conference for Academic Excellence (WSCAE), students taking the SAT may take the test at a special testing site at Clarendon Hills Middle School. This site is for WSCAE students only. Students who take the SAT at this site in January are eligible for the WSCAE Award Ceremony. This ceremony recognizes the top SAT performers from our consortium. Individual NUMATS certificates are given to each participating student.
District 102 does not offer any financial assistance for the testing. Click here for the link to Northwestern University's options for financial aid.
There are several links below that provide information on District 102’s involvement in the Talent Search. For more detailed information on the NUMATS program and other exciting learning opportunities offered through Northwestern University, please visit http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu. The link for "Frequently Asked Questions" related to the Talent Search is www.ctd.northwestern.edu/numats/program/faq/.
School codes for NUMATS are:
Congress Park=8005270
Cossitt=8001640
Forest Road=8004862
Ogden=8004844
Park – 8001648.
Online Resources - High Ability Related Sites ... and Beyond
Below is a list of sites that might be of interest to individuals seeking resources and experiences relating to high ability learners. They are live sites, so just click! Families are encouraged to monitor students while they are on the internet. You might consider viewing the District 102 internet safety curriculum link as a family.
People are encouraged to share additional sites by contacting Randy Lange, District 102 Talent Development Program Coordinator - langera@dist102.k12.il.us. If a site is no longer active, please pass that along as well.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Randy Lange, Talent Development Services Program Coordinator, at langera@sd102.org.
I. General Information
Program Guide
II. Identification
Identification Chart for Accelerated Classes