ES Gifted Support
Christa Smith
Elementary Gifted Services Coordinator
ChristaSmith@mtlsd.net
412-276-0538
- Elementary Tier Levels of Enrichment
- Specifically Designed Instruction
- Summer Programs/Opportunities
Elementary Tier Levels of Enrichment
Following a Universal Design for Learning approach, Gifted Support Services have long been inclusive in the Mt. Lebanon School District. We know that our students vary on so many levels- ability, interest, engagement, readiness, executive functioning, communication and collaboration skills, technology, and more. Because learner variability exists, we can plan it. Today's classrooms are elastic for all students to learn, and as we plan for learning we consider the needs of the broadest range of learners.
Teaching in today's classroom focuses on both what is taught and how. The primary focus is on finding many ways to teach the material to the many types of learners in a classroom. Teachers plan lessons to address a wide range of needs and strengths. There is no "typical" student. We know that all students benefit from multiple formats and accommodations in their learning. In today's classroom, teaching is flexible depending on the lesson and student needs. The teacher works with the student to decide how the student will learn the material. Our overarching goal is to develop purposeful, motivated, resourceful, goal oriented learners. Expert learners. To do so, instruction is intentional and purposefully planned to meet the needs of all levels of learners.
When designing a lesson or unit, Tiers of Enrichment are considered based on the learner's profile and demonstrated need:
Tier 1 Enrichment
ALL: Core Classroom Instruction and School-Wide Enrichment |
Tier 2 Enrichment
SOME: Evidence-based, strategic targeted supplemental skill building intervention |
Tier 3 Enrichment
FEW: Evidence-based, intensive targeted instruction for academic needs not met by Tier 1 or Tier 2 |
Differentiated Instruction in the core curriculum guided by respectful tasks, flexible grouping, and ongoing assessment and adjustment.
Teachers can differentiate content, process, and product according to student’s readiness, interests, and learning profile. |
Assignments of increased task complexity - Depth of Knowledge 3, 4 |
Advanced level follow up with topics related to student interest that are presented in the regular curriculum |
Concerts |
choice opportunities: choice boards, menus, tic-tac-toe boards, products |
Acceleration in mathematics (grades 3 and 5) |
Flms studies, observed demonstrations |
Cluster grouping with intellectual peers based on readiness, interests, and/or learning profile. |
curriculum compacting |
Grade level field trips |
cooperative grouping |
Independent Studies |
Guest speakers, lectures |
curriculum based extensions |
Investigative Projects |
Inquiry-based learning |
Learning through abstraction and conceptual/interpretive discussions |
Individual conferencing |
Lunchtime clubs |
Performance tasks, real world problems |
Learning Contracts |
Plays, assemblies |
Use of supplemental resources |
Task-persistence; Structured risk activities |
school based competitions, clubs, and events |
Skill based programs |
Academic Events Library Research |
Adapted from: The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, Carol Ann Tomlinson
Specifically Designed Instruction
A Gifted Individualized Education Plan (G.I.E.P) is developed for a student who qualifies for gifted support services and demonstrates a need for specially designed instruction as determined by the Gifted Multidisciplinary Team (G.M.D.T).
The G.I.E.P. is an academic, strengths-based document. Specially designed instruction is provided through a student's G.I.E.P. to accomodate advanced learning challenges in the student's outstanding strength area(s). Specially designed instruction requires the teacher to modify the content, process, and/or product for a gifted learner.
Summer Programs/Opportunities
The following learning opportunities are available for your child outside of the classroom:
Local:
- Summer Enrichment Courses at Mt. Lebanon High School Grades for students entering grades 4-8 (sign up through Family ID in May)
- Young Writer's Institute at Mellon Middle School
- Mt. Lebanon Public Library
Regional:
- CMU's Leonard Gefland Center Summer Series Classes
- Carnegie Science Center Summer Camps
- Popular Pittsburgh's Summer Camps
- Hi-Tech Learning
- Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Summer Art Camps
- Snapology themed classes, workshops, and camps.
- Children's Museum Pittsburgh Makeshop
- TechShop Pittsburgh Youth Programs
Disclaimer:
The District does not endorse any program. It is not possible to list all options.
- Summer Institute for the Gifted Ages 5-17
- John's Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Summer Programs Grades 2-12
- Northwestern Center for Talent Development Ages 4 & up
- University of Iowa's Belin-Blank Center Grades 3-12
- Stanford Gifted and Talented Grades K-12
- Davidson Institute Summer Programs By Interest
- iD Tech Camps Ages 6-18
- Space Camp Ages 9 & up
- Find many more summer options on Hoagies' Gifted Page!