Gifted Program Models

GIFTED PROGRAM MODELS

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Self-Contained 3-6 CATS
Chandler Academically Talented Students (CATS) is a self-contained gifted program option for students who are eligible to receive gifted services in third through sixth grade. Students in this program work at least one year beyond grade level with their intellectual peers. Classroom instruction expands and accelerates the core curriculum to accommodate the unique needs and interests of gifted students. Teachers deliver a rigorous interdisciplinary core curriculum encompassing Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Self-contained gifted students participate in special area classes with the other grade-level classes and are included in non-academic grade-level activities. The CATS program is housed at several district sites.  Transportation may be provided, depending on your home attendance boundary.

Knox Gifted Academy (K-6) & Weinberg Gifted Academy (K-6)
Knox & Weinberg Gifted Academies are dedicated to gifted students and emphasize science, technology, engineering, art integration, and mathematics in a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. Students in this gifted program work at least one year beyond grade level with their intellectual peers. This model offers a team teaching instructional model that focuses on problem-based learning through design thinking and an integrated curriculum, which differentiates this program from the CATS classes at other sites. Knox Gifted Academy and Weinberg Gifted Academy are schools of choice for students. District transportation is provided from depot school locations depending on your home attendance boundary.

Consultative Gifted Services (K-6)
Consultative Gifted Services offers an opportunity for identified gifted students to remain in their current classroom while support, resources, and an individualized learning plan is in place for differentiated instruction. The classroom teacher writes the individualized learning plan outlining the ways he/she plans to differentiate the current curriculum taught in the classroom, to meet the needs of the gifted student.  Consultative gifted services are offered for students with unique learning needs that require individualized support or instruction, or for students who qualify for gifted services after the enrollment period for self-contained classes ends.  Please contact the Gifted Specialist to request services.

Junior High CATS (7-8)
The Junior High CATS program is housed at several Junior High Schools. The program offers courses that provide enriching, rigorous curriculum that engages high ability students. The content standards in mathematics and in English Language Arts are accelerated and integrated and demand in-depth study. Instruction incorporates creative and critical thinking, problem solving, research, personal development, and communication. The goal of the CUSD Junior High CATS program is to provide challenge to the current curriculum while it prepares students for high school-level Honors and Advanced Placement courses.

 

Teachers
The district hires teachers for the program in partnership with the principal of the host school. Teachers of the gifted are either endorsed or are working toward their gifted endorsement. CATS teachers attend meetings each year to keep them abreast of best practices in the field of gifted education, and to collaborate with their peers.

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