Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Are the any summer programs for gifted students?
- What gifted programming will be offered for the 2009-10 school year?
- What are 'inclusionary' activities?
- How does my child qualitfy for gifted services?
- How frequently does my child receive gifted services?
- What topics are covered in the Gifted Exploratory Class?
- What topics are addressed during 1st period (activity period)?
- What gifted programming is offered at Nazareth Area High School?
Are the any summer programs for gifted students?
Yes. Go to the documents page of the website and click on 'summer
programs.'
What gifted programming will be offered for the 2009-10 school year?
The NAMS will offer a 60-day class for which students must sign
up. This class will replace two of their Diamond Arts Exploratory
classes. The signup deadline is June 5, but if you were late in
receiving the forms, please call the guidance department and we
should be able to schedule your child. Also,inclusionary
activities will continue as well as some 1st period activities.
Please see the syllabus in the documents section for more
information.
What are 'inclusionary' activities?
Inclusionary activities are those which are done in the regular
education classes with both the regular ed. teacher and gifted
ed. teacher co-teaching. Modifications are made for those
students who need additional challenges, but the focus of the
lesson/unit is the same for all students.
How does my child qualitfy for gifted services?
Initially, a child must be referred for evaluation. If one or
more of the child's teachers suspect that the child is gifted,
then he/she may inform the guidance department, which will take
appropriate action. Also, parents may request, in writing, that
their child be evaluated, with a limit of one request annually.
Ultimately, students must be given a multidisciplinary
evaluation conducted by a certified school psychologist. After
this evaluation is completed, a determination will be made if the
student requires gifted services. Please refer to PA State
Chapter 16, section 16.22 for more information.
How frequently does my child receive gifted services?
This depends a lot on your child. At the Middle School, students
may receive gifted services through inclusionary activities,
activitiy period time, and via the 60-day Gifted Exploratory
class. Inclusionary gifted activities are coordinated with each
teaching team and individual teachers. Some of these
are such that they can be completed in one period, and others may
take a week or more,with gifted students' participation required.
However, Activity period work is voluntary. Students receive a
calendar each month with listed topics, and must sign up for
those of interest.Each grade receives these services two periods
per six-day cycle. Also, the 60-day Gifted Exploratory
class is optional. For those interested, this class will replace
two of the child's "Diamond" courses (2,30-day courses). If
selected, however, students will meet with the gifed teacher one
full period per day for one third of the school year.
What topics are covered in the Gifted Exploratory Class?
The Gifted Exploratory Class topics are varied, but are linked to
one or more of the student's curricular areas. For example, an
8th grade Science unit on energy may be addressed by a detailed
investigation of alternative fuel sources. Also, a Social Studies
unit on the U.S. Constitution could be followed by a closer look
at Law Related Education with students conducting a mock trial.
However, a significant part of the class will be set aside for
a self-selected project topic under the guidance of the gifted
ed. teacher. Regardless of the topic, students will be challenged
with problems which mirror real-world dilemmas.
What topics are addressed during 1st period (activity period)?
These topics vary from month to month, but usually involve
sharpening analytical and problem solving skills. Past topics
have included: introductory Russian and Japanese language; flight
simulation training using computers; engineering structures and
design; mathematics and language
problem solving; robotics; digital art; diplomacy; and games such
as chess, go, and nine-man morris. Students are also encouraged
to submit topic suggestions.
What gifted programming is offered at Nazareth Area High School?
At the High School, gifted ed. students may elect to sign up for
the advanced gifted seminar which meets daily for one half of the
school year. See the gifted high school web page for more
information.
http://www.teacherweb.com/PA/NazarethAreaHighSchool/HighSchoolGift
ed/
