What is Visions?
Gifted and talented children are a unique population, differing from their age peers in abilities, talents, interests, and psychological and/or emotional maturity to such a degree that special provisions must be made to meet the educational needs of these students.
The formalized gifted service program called Visions begins in 5th grade. Students who are identified in the areas of Superior Cognitive Ability and Reading and Math Specific Academic ability are eligible for the Visions program. The interdisciplinary team consists of instructors in the areas of language arts, math, science and social studies. The program for the gifted and talented is qualitatively different and will allow for the nurturing of the leadership potential possessed by these students. Visions programming will provide opportunities which encourage the development of abstract thinking and reasoning skills and practice in creative problem solving and higher cognitive processing (e.g., analysis, synthesis, and evaluation).
Visions is NOT the same educational experience students have had in elementary school. One of the goals of the program is that students learn how to learn. For many students, this is the first time they will need to study. Students are expected to be responsible for their own learning.
Visions is NOT tons of homework. It is appropriately challenging class work and homework for motivated students. In large part, the students dictate how much homework they have by how effectively they use their class time.
Visions does NOT mean students will have no life after school. Most of our students have many interests and balance their outside interests with their school work. However, schoolwork is a top priority.
Visions is NOT drill and kill. Gifted students tend to learn things at a faster rate. They do not need to waste time on things they have already mastered. There is more time for collaboration and creativity. Visions definitely moves at a faster pace than a typical team, particularly in covering math and science content.
Visions is NOT busy work. It is experiential learning. Students will be provided opportunities to collaborate, create, participate in simulations, design projects, share presentations, and be immersed in critical reading, thinking, and writing opportunities.
Visions is NOT lots of pressure. Some children will put pressure on themselves regardless of their placement. Perfection is not our goal. Students or parents who expect perfection may be disappointed or frustrated.
Visions is NOT isolation from their friends. Instead, students will develop additional friendships with students who learn as they do, thrive on challenging each other, and share common interests.
The formalized gifted service program called Visions begins in 5th grade. Students who are identified in the areas of Superior Cognitive Ability and Reading and Math Specific Academic ability are eligible for the Visions program. The interdisciplinary team consists of instructors in the areas of language arts, math, science and social studies. The program for the gifted and talented is qualitatively different and will allow for the nurturing of the leadership potential possessed by these students. Visions programming will provide opportunities which encourage the development of abstract thinking and reasoning skills and practice in creative problem solving and higher cognitive processing (e.g., analysis, synthesis, and evaluation).
Visions is NOT the same educational experience students have had in elementary school. One of the goals of the program is that students learn how to learn. For many students, this is the first time they will need to study. Students are expected to be responsible for their own learning.
Visions is NOT tons of homework. It is appropriately challenging class work and homework for motivated students. In large part, the students dictate how much homework they have by how effectively they use their class time.
Visions does NOT mean students will have no life after school. Most of our students have many interests and balance their outside interests with their school work. However, schoolwork is a top priority.
Visions is NOT drill and kill. Gifted students tend to learn things at a faster rate. They do not need to waste time on things they have already mastered. There is more time for collaboration and creativity. Visions definitely moves at a faster pace than a typical team, particularly in covering math and science content.
Visions is NOT busy work. It is experiential learning. Students will be provided opportunities to collaborate, create, participate in simulations, design projects, share presentations, and be immersed in critical reading, thinking, and writing opportunities.
Visions is NOT lots of pressure. Some children will put pressure on themselves regardless of their placement. Perfection is not our goal. Students or parents who expect perfection may be disappointed or frustrated.
Visions is NOT isolation from their friends. Instead, students will develop additional friendships with students who learn as they do, thrive on challenging each other, and share common interests.
Expectations
All students should:
- Understand the expectations and WANT to be a part of the Visions program
- Demonstrate strong mathematical thinking and computation skills
- Work cooperatively with others. (At times this means taking a leadership role. At other times, this means following another student’s lead.)
- Exhibit responsibility and self-motivation in accomplishing tasks
- Budget time effectively, both in class and out of class