The Novice strand is reserved for those who are initiating their understanding & skills of differentiated curriculum and instruction and are new to the field of gifted education.
Topics presented during the Novice Strand include:
· Inclusion education
· Depth & Complexity prompts — right angle iconic statement charts, thread-through study sheets, and critical thinking compatible study templates
· Learning centers
· The art of argumentation
· Independent study
· Thinking like a Disciplinarian
The Advanced Strand is geared towards educators who are ready for a more sophisticated and elaborate understanding of differentiated curriculum and instruction.
Topics presented during the Advanced Strand include:
· Thinking skills clusters
· The Bridge Curriculum
· Product development and presentation skills
· Literature strategies and assessment tools
· Performance-based assessments and rubrics that match the differentiated learning as defined by the California GATE standards
· “Beyond” the basic Depth & Complexity prompts
The Secondary Seminar is a one-day workshop developed to address the most frequently asked questions related to the education of the gifted and the academic rigor in the California curriculum.
Limited to fifty participants, this intimate discussion circle will analyze curriculum and instruction that responds to the following questions:
1. How can teachers differentiate Honors and Advanced placement courses?
2. How do teachers motivate gifted middle and secondary students to utilize their abilities?
3. How can teachers accommodate the needs of gifted students within the expectations of the currently defined standards-based curriculum and proficiency benchmarks?
4. How can teachers prepare students for standardized tests as well as advanced forms of assessment?
How can what is defined as differentiated and appropriate for the gifted be taught meaningfully to all students within the same classroom?