Gifted and Talent Development 2012-2013

Our district’s Gifted and Talent Development program is committed to providing rigorous instructional programs that encourage all students to realize their full potential as learners. A continuum of programs and services are provided.

One component of the program involves the gifted and talented interventionist working with a small group of identified students at each elementary school, grades 3, 4 and 5. During this weekly session, instruction is differentiated to support advanced-level and extended learning. Some of the units this year include integrated studies based on survival, ancient civilizations, interdependence, and math functions and systems. The focus of the curriculum is to foster the development of critical, abstract and creative thinking and problem-solving.

Each elementary school had two teams competing in the Math Masters of Minnesota challenge. Math Masters is designed to promote excellence in critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities as well as to provide recognition for students for academic effort and achievement. Our district was well represented, with several students receiving placement awards in both the problem-solving and the order of operations component. Sibley: Kolby Johnson, Cole Indrelie, Madalyn Peterson, Karter Kenis, Marty Syverson, Emma Renchin, Aleighya Zak, Samanatha Skarstad, Syndney Collins, Carson Stadheim, Alma Navarrete, Rylee Bjorklund, Coached by Christine Schaefer

This year approximately 75 students were involved in Chess Clubs district-wide. The opportunity to learn and play chess as well as develop strategies was an exciting focus for these after-school meetings. Clubs at each of the four elementary buildings, Southwest Middle School, and Albert Lea High School were coached by staff and volunteers. Elementary students had the opportunity to compete in a tournament held at the Albert Lea Family Y on Apr. 27. The response of students to the Chess Clubs was overwhelming, as indicated by the large number of students pursuing their interest in chess.

Other opportunities include the district spelling bee, with two fifth-grade students form each elementary school participating, and the district Science Fair which is open to all students in grades 3-6.

The Gifted and Talent Development program continues to evolve, with plans to continue the current offerings while adding additional opportunities over the next years. At the forefront of all programming is our district’s focus on student learning and providing resources with a strong research-base that will best meet the needs of our students.