Programming Options
Gifted students need options that suit their individual learning styles, academic ability, and strength areas. At OHDELA we strive to provide families with options that will suit the many and varied needs of their gifted student. Some of those options may include quicker pacing of material, attending class with a higher grade level, cluster grouping with students of like intellect for certain projects or tasks, differentiation of tasks and projects, advanced level content in area(s) of strength, in-depth investigations, higher level courses and electives, subject acceleration, Post Secondary Option Program, National Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society, independent study, and competition opportunities.
Differentiation of Tasks, Projects, and Assessments
Teachers at OHDELA utilize the formative assessment process information to guide the teaching and learning process. A formative assessment is not merely a test but a process of intentionally planned learning activities which includes a combination of formal and informal assessments. The carefully planned and aligned assessments demonstrate clear evidence of the degree of student mastery of particular skills and concepts. Students are given clear guidelines on how to achieve at the proficient and advanced levels of proficiencies on the assessments. Teachers utilize the student data from the assessments to modify their instruction and student learning activities. Gifted students benefit from this process because they have consistent opportunities to use critical thinking and problem solving ability to complete tasks involving application of knowledge gained. Please go to the Standards-Based link to learn about the scales which guide teacher development of formative assessments.
Student Generated Assessments
Student generated assessments provide gifted students with the unique opportunity to demonstrate advanced ability to apply knowledge to unique situations and tasks. Students develop a proposal to be submitted and approved by the instructor that will display knowledge of a particular learning target. This process appeals to gifted students because students have the power to decide how they would like to prove the knowledge they have gained and their ability to apply that knowledge. Students have the ability to utilize a variety of web 2.0 technology as they work to demonstrate their advanced ability through the student generated assessment. This process provides multiple benefits: student engagement, development of critical thinking and problem solving ability, the opportunity to perform at an advanced level, and the ability to exercise student voice and choice. Student generated assessments allow gifted students to take charge of their own learning.
Creative Options For Students Needing More Challenge and Rigor
Many times gifted and high achieving students are performing far beyond their peers and need additional opportunities to keep them challenged. At OHDELA we work with students and parents to create a learning environment that will provide the rigor and relevance that gifted students need. Some of the options we provide include development and implementation of an independent plan that involves students engaging in alternate tasks at a higher level, quicker pacing of material, and subject acceleration once content at the students' grade level has been mastered. We offer the online track which allows students to engage in Project Based Learning involving a variety of technology and development of 21st Century Skills. For those students and families who crave a traditional program with the ability to pace ahead and a limited wimba schedule the Calvert program may be the answer. This program has appealed to students who are involved in extra-curricular activities and need flexibility.
Earning High School Credit Prior to Entering High School
High performing students have the unique opportunity to earn high school credit while still in middle school. Parents who choose this option for their students generally choose to take part in algebra, Spanish, and/or an English elective such as Mystery Literature or Journalism. Students love the opportunity that this affords and high school teachers who have been a part of this endeavor are impressed with the success that our middle school gifted students have had. This allows students to earn high school credits and helps them to be eligible for the Post Secondary Options Program which is detailed below.
Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program
The PSEO program allows high-school students to earn college credit and high school graduation credit through college coursework. Students apply for the program as 8th graders and are considered based on grade point average, teacher recommendations, and other criteria. Students who are accepted into the program may take one college level course each semester. Depending on their success, students may increase the number of post secondary courses they take as sophmores, juniors, and seniors. For more information about this program visit the OhioHigherEd website:
http://students.ohiohighered.org/content/PSEOP
http://students.ohiohighered.org/content/PSEOP
Independent Study
- Students at OHDELA have the opportunity to take part in an independent study group which allows them to explore their passion areas at an in-depth level. Independent study is one of the most frequently used strategies for gifted learners and provides students with the following benefits:
· Students will be able to learn about topics of interest of their own choosing.
· Students will have the opportunity to investigate a topic at an in-depth level.
· Students will utilize a variety of web 2.0 technology to create unique products relating to their independent study topic.
· Students may choose to study a real-world problem and develop an original solution.
· Students will have the opportunity to display unique insight and understanding gained about the topic.
· Students will create an online portfolio to keep track of research and data while engaging in the independent study.
· Students will collaborate with one another, giving and receiving feedback and encouragement.
· Students will have the opportunity to present their products weekly in live learning classes.
· Students will have the opportunity to present their Independent Study at a project fair.
Please visit the Student Projects link to view the independent study projects that OHDELA students are working on. You will be amazed at their creativity and ability!