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AP/GATE Teachers Chatboard

Help

by Lisa

Mar 28, 2010

Can someone help me. I am not sure what to do. When my child was in kindergarten his teacher said he should probably be tested for gifted and how did I feel about that. I said that I trusted her opinion, because I don't know how to determine that myself. I kind of forgot about it and had a wait and see attitude. At the end of first grade he receive...See More

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el ed You are not being a pushy parent. Be an advocate for your child. Do not accept "the gifted class is full".

el ed,(retired)- Masters in Gifted Education, 21 years teaching gifted children.

On 3/28/10, Lisa wrote: > Can someone help me. I am not sure what to do. When my > child was in kindergarten his teacher said he should ...See More

Mar 28, 2010

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Leah I agree with el ed > You are not being a pushy parent. Be an advocate for your > child. Do not accept "the gifted class is full".

Mar 29, 2010

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Teaching about income tax is a good unit for April

by el ed with ideas

Mar 28, 2010

We did this different ways on different years.

Some things we did.

Got 1040 EZ(?) forms from CPA who does our taxes.

Discuss with older students(mostly)whether it would be better to use 1040 or to itemize.

We made up scenarios such as:

Married couple, no kids, income $40,000 Married couple, no kids, inc...See More

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Texas - G/T TEXES/EXCET Exam

by Wondering

Apr 3, 2010

Has anyone taken the Texas G/T Supplemental exam? What are some things to know? Theorists? G/T Models? I am planning on taking the exam and am wondering about what are the important things to know.

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GATE strand in the middle school

by Cathy

Apr 4, 2010

Because of budget cuts, our school gt teacher has been cut. To meet the needs of the GT students at the school, we have decided to develop a multi-grade (6-8) GT program. There will be three teachers (math, math/science, and LA/Hist). Scheduling is one of the many issues we are trying to figure out. They will be with their grade levels for lunch an...See More

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Cathy Thank you for asking. It went better than we all could have imagined. The parents were very excited. There were several good questions, but it looks like we will have the 50 students we need for the program to work. We will know by May 4th. We are already working on the curriculum and visiting model programs to improve our ideas. Thanks for your he...See MoreThank you for asking. It went better than we all could have imagined. The parents were very excited. There were several good questions, but it looks like we will have the 50 students we need for the program to work. We will know by May 4th. We are already working on the curriculum and visiting model programs to improve our ideas. Thanks for your help and encouragement! Cathy

On 4/14/10, el ed wrote: > How did the Tuesday night meeting with parents go? Well, I hope. > > > > On 4/07/10, Cathy wrote: >> Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words. We are >> meeting with the parents Tuesday night. This is the big hurdle >> as we want their children to be a part of this program...or >> there will be no program! >> If you have any idea on integrated curriculum unit ideas, topics >> or projects your students liked, etc. that would be of big help. >> We will be working with menus, integrated units, independent >> projects, and so on. >> Like I mentioned before, ANY great ideas will help. >> Thanks, >> Cathy >> >> On 4/05/10, el ed wrote: >>> Bless you and the other 2 teachers who have decided to step in >>> to help fill the void to develop a(6-8) GT program! This warms >>> the heart of this retired, dedicated gifted teacher. >>> >>> You are advocating in a very real way for the GT ruled eligible >>> students. The 6-8 grade span is doable. >>> >>> You 3 teachers have a vast knowledge pool to help enrich the >>> education of these very capable students. Fortunate kids! >>> >>> One suggestion would be to try to get as much info from the >>> present GT teacher as possible. She might be able to help keep >>> you from reinventing a few wheels. >>> >>> I know the GT teacher is disappointed, but if s/he were like >>> me, s/he would want to see that the GT kids were served. My >>> kids and I were very close. >>> >>> If you would like, I will try to wrack my brain and try to help >>> give any help I can. Just let me know. >>> >>> You three must be exceptionally dedicated and committed to >>> students and teaching. You make me proud, in a good way, of >>> having been part of the teaching profession. Kudos! >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 4/04/10, Cathy wrote: >>>> Because of budget cuts, our school gt teacher has been cut. >>>> To meet the needs of the GT students at the school, we have >>>> decided to develop a multi-grade (6-8) GT program. There >>>> will be three teachers (math, math/science, and LA/Hist). >>>> Scheduling is one of the many issues we are trying to >>>> figure out. They will be with their grade levels for lunch >>>> and for their electives. Otherwise, they will be with the >>>> gt students at their grade level. There will be a 50 minute >>>> block when all gt students will be together and we will be >>>> doing menus and the district gt teacher will be doing >>>> activities for thier affective needs. >>>> So, we need help on the curriculum. Anyone doing anything >>>> like this? Any ideas would be appreciated.Thanks.

Apr 16, 2010

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el ed So glad the meeting with the parents went well.

I will be pleased to share any thing that could be useful to you 3 wonderful, wonderful teachers.

On 4/16/10, Cathy wrote: > Thank you for asking. It went better than we all could have imagined. > The parents were very excited. There were several good questions, but > it lo...See MoreSo glad the meeting with the parents went well.

I will be pleased to share any thing that could be useful to you 3 wonderful, wonderful teachers.

On 4/16/10, Cathy wrote: > Thank you for asking. It went better than we all could have imagined. > The parents were very excited. There were several good questions, but > it looks like we will have the 50 students we need for the program to > work. We will know by May 4th. > We are already working on the curriculum and visiting model programs > to improve our ideas. > Thanks for your help and encouragement! > Cathy > > On 4/14/10, el ed wrote: >> How did the Tuesday night meeting with parents go? Well, I hope. >> >> >> >> On 4/07/10, Cathy wrote: >>> Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words. We are >>> meeting with the parents Tuesday night. This is the big hurdle >>> as we want their children to be a part of this program...or >>> there will be no program! >>> If you have any idea on integrated curriculum unit ideas, topics >>> or projects your students liked, etc. that would be of big help. >>> We will be working with menus, integrated units, independent >>> projects, and so on. >>> Like I mentioned before, ANY great ideas will help. >>> Thanks, >>> Cathy >>> >>> On 4/05/10, el ed wrote: >>>> Bless you and the other 2 teachers who have decided to step in >>>> to help fill the void to develop a(6-8) GT program! This warms >>>> the heart of this retired, dedicated gifted teacher. >>>> >>>> You are advocating in a very real way for the GT ruled eligible >>>> students. The 6-8 grade span is doable. >>>> >>>> You 3 teachers have a vast knowledge pool to help enrich the >>>> education of these very capable students. Fortunate kids! >>>> >>>> One suggestion would be to try to get as much info from the >>>> present GT teacher as possible. She might be able to help keep >>>> you from reinventing a few wheels. >>>> >>>> I know the GT teacher is disappointed, but if s/he were like >>>> me, s/he would want to see that the GT kids were served. My >>>> kids and I were very close. >>>> >>>> If you would like, I will try to wrack my brain and try to help >>>> give any help I can. Just let me know. >>>> >>>> You three must be exceptionally dedicated and committed to >>>> students and teaching. You make me proud, in a good way, of >>>> having been part of the teaching profession. Kudos! >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 4/04/10, Cathy wrote: >>>>> Because of budget cuts, our school gt teacher has been cut. >>>>> To meet the needs of the GT students at the school, we have >>>>> decided to develop a multi-grade (6-8) GT program. There >>>>> will be three teachers (math, math/science, and LA/Hist). >>>>> Scheduling is one of the many issues we are trying to >>>>> figure out. They will be with their grade levels for lunch >>>>> and for their electives. Otherwise, they will be with the >>>>> gt students at their grade level. There will be a 50 minute >>>>> block when all gt students will be together and we will be >>>>> doing menus and the district gt teacher will be doing >>>>> activities for thier affective needs. >>>>> So, we need help on the curriculum. Anyone doing anything >>>>> like this? Any ideas would be appreciated.Thanks.

May 5, 2010

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ePals

by Nancye

Apr 10, 2010

Has anyone ever worked with an ePal from another country? My year-long unit for next year will be Around the World in 180 Days. I want to have my students communicate with students in other countries to exchange cultural information. Nancye

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Didi Nancye, I would love to hear what your doing with this theme. It sounds intriguing...

On 4/10/10, Nancye wrote: > Has anyone ever worked with an ePal from another country? > My year-long unit for next year will be Around the World in > 180 Days. I want to have my students communicate with > students in other countries to exchan...See More

May 23, 2010

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Rebecca I would also be very interested. I am always looking for something new & exciting!

May 24, 2010

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Your favorite software programs

by Kim

Apr 19, 2010

I am interested in purchasing a few software programs for my 2nd-5th G/T program. Please share your favorites with me.

Thanks!

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HELP w/ High School!!!

by Rebecca

May 4, 2010

I have been teaching a K-5 GT pullout for many years & now have a great opportunity to work with some of my former kids who are now in H.S. I would be able to meet do some activities or group discussions. They receive NO GT instruction @ H.S. I would appreciate any and ALL suggestions!!! I have no h.s. experience other than being the mom of 2 h...See More

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designing a new GT class

by Froggybee

May 6, 2010

Hi all, I have been "asked" to teach 3 new classes, my design, not necessarily content related next year. They would each be 1 semester long and be made up of identified GT kids. It would be one 6th, 1 7th and 1 8th grade class.

I am looking for thought on content... Thanks so much for anything you can help with! Katie

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GT Teacher On 5/06/10, Froggybee wrote: > Hi all, > I have been "asked" to teach 3 new classes, my design, not > necessarily content related next year. They would each be 1 > semester long and be made up of identified GT kids. It > would be one 6th, 1 7th and 1 8th grade class. > > I am looking for thought on content... > Thanks so muc...See More

May 15, 2010

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kevin On 5/06/10, Froggybee wrote: > I have been "asked" to teach 3 new classes, my design, not > necessarily content related next year. They would each be 1 > semester long and be made up of identified GT kids. It > would be one 6th, 1 7th and 1 8th grade class. > > I am looking for thought on content...

On what criteria have ...See More

Jun 21, 2010

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Eliminating art classes in elementary ed

by uni

May 8, 2010

Help me please!

Our state has slashed budgets and they want to cut the arts. This year they eliminated all our librarians - art and music are next on the chopping block. I am a regular 5th grade teacher but I have an art background -- please help me find research articles that link the importance of art for elementary students.

An...See More

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KK Unfortunately, right now, I don't think the people making budget decisions are especially open to brain research information, unless it is directly linked to standardized test score improvement. I think your efforts to save music and art are better spent examining your existing budget and making a recommendation to cut something else that is not di...See More

May 9, 2010

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uni That is what I was asking for - research that shows increase in standardized scores. However, on another board someone directed me to links that will help.

We are already a bare bones community so 130 teachers were cut and all our librarians save one - PE is being sved because Michele Obama's promotion and because we live in one of the mor...See MoreThat is what I was asking for - research that shows increase in standardized scores. However, on another board someone directed me to links that will help.

We are already a bare bones community so 130 teachers were cut and all our librarians save one - PE is being sved because Michele Obama's promotion and because we live in one of the more obese states. Mostly, it was saved because brain research shows a direct correlation with improved standardized tests.

There are other areas to cut but to save the arts which I thin k are vital, research must be provided. Activity fees are elitist in that they cut out our most needy kids so while it can be justified for extracurricular I could not support that for in school. Some of our school board members are willing to continue the arts if we can show direct correlations to testing.

Our state has a large rainy day fund which our stupid governor refuses to use - also our funding is screwed. Economically, it is too hard to ask parents to underwrite additional fees in this economy - more creative ways must be found. Grassroots efforts have saved a few of the extracurriculars but there are legal restrictions for funding in school programs (during the school day.)

On 5/09/10, KK wrote: > Unfortunately, right now, I don't think the people making > budget decisions are especially open to brain research > information, unless it is directly linked to standardized test > score improvement. I think your efforts to save music and art > are better spent examining your existing budget and making a > recommendation to cut something else that is not directly > linked to instruction, or to develop proposals like activity > fees, or perhaps a combination of the two. People know that > well-rounded education matters, but people are desperate right > now. Gathering parent support might be another crucial way to > keep the programs, but it will probably mean the cuts fall > somewhere else. > > > > On 5/08/10, uni wrote: >> Help me please! >> >> Our state has slashed budgets and they want to cut the arts. >> This year they eliminated all our librarians - art and >> music are next on the chopping block. I am a regular 5th >> grade teacher but I have an art background -- please help me >> find research articles that link the importance of art for >> elementary students. >> >> Any help on current research, brain research etc will be >> greatly appreciated. I realize this is the GATE board but >> many "outside the box" creative thinkers thrive in art - but >> our people need research links not just observations. >> >> THANKS!!!

May 9, 2010

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