Overview of the Elementary GT program at this school:
Polaris is a small school and does not have the staffing to have pull-out GT groups or enrichment classes. Teachers follow the Expeditionary Learning model which provides a lot of hands-on opportunities to students. Students are encouraged to advocate for differentiation in their area(s) of strength. Small class sizes often help students have more one-on-one time with their instructors.
PSD Gifted and Talented Home Page
Gifted and Talented site coordinator:
Tamara Shaffer | GT Coordinator
tshaffer@psdschools.org | 970-488-8260
Polaris Elementary’s GT Program:
Formal ALP communication three times per year:
• Fall: Initial ALP draft, goal communication
• Winter: Progress report on ALP goals
• Spring: Progress report on ALP goals
Advanced Learning Plan Process
GT Coordinator meets with students in the Fall to discuss goals and brainstorm ideas. Students set goals, and a draft of the ALP is sent home for parental input. Students check-in monthly on goals with the GT Coordinator during a “lunch bunch.” ALP goal evaluation information is sent home at the end of the year.
Programming Opportunities for GT students
No formal programming. Classroom teachers are responsible for helping students meet their individual ALP goals.
Enrichment opportunities for GT students during school
- Tutor younger students
- Work with community volunteers
- Work with groups of older students on our K-12 campus
- Set lunch meetings with a teacher
- Hands-on expeditionary learning alongside their peers
- Tiered tasks
- Choice of products, resources, and process
- Curriculum compacting
Enrichment Opportunities for GT students before or after school
- Lego Robotics
- Girls Science Club
- Running Club
- Chess Club
- Spanish Club
Affective programming for GT students
No formal programming. Classroom teachers are responsible for helping students meet their socioemotional goals. The school counselor is available to work with classroom teachers to address the social and emotional needs of gifted students.
Grade-specific GT services
Teachers are responsible for meeting the needs of GT learners in their classrooms. There are no additional services offered in elementary grades.