Williams Technology Middle SchoolMagnet Theme Revision

Academy for Gifted and Talented (AGT) 2016-2017

January 11, 2016

Dr. Tammy SummervilleDirector, Magnet Programs

Wendy GrahamGifted Services Coordinator

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Williams Technology Middle School Will Be Host to the New Academy for Gifted and Talented (AGT)

• To fulfill requirements found on page 30 of the Consent Order“…The District will review and revise the Williams’ magnet curriculum to ensure that the magnet

program is rigorous and unique and that it provides a foundation for students to matriculate to

New Century Technology…During the 2016-17 school year…”

• Currently Williams is a MYP International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate

School

• Existing magnet theme: NASA’s BEST (Beginning Engineering Science and

Technology)

• Last cohort of NASA’s BEST accepted for the 2016-2017 school year

• First accepted cohort of Academy for Gifted and Talented August 2016-

2017 Academic Session (Rising 6th grade students).

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The Academy for Gifted and Talented (AGT) Will Meet Several Unique Requirements

• Designed for academically gifted students grades 6-8

• Provides an intellectual, creative, rigorous, and collaborative

environment for unique learners

• Meets social and emotional needs of gifted students

• Supports needs of gifted learners through integrated curriculum

and problem-based projects in addition to acceleration,

compacting, extended learning opportunities, field studies,

mentorships, and inquiry based units of study built around student

interest and strengths

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• Students clustered for content area studies

• Emphasis on developing 21st Century Skills via integration of

Technology and Design

• “Junior” focus of pathways to New Century High (Engineering, Bio-

Medical Science, Computer Science)

• Real world opportunity to demonstrate learning each semester and

end-of-year Learning Showcase

• Staffed by gifted certified teachers

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The Academy for Gifted and Talented (AGT) Will Meet Several Unique Requirements

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AGT ~ Academy for Gifted and TalentedProposed Start Date 2016-2017 School Year

• Begin with a cohort of 50-60 6th grade students- August 2016

• Target students- diverse group of identified gifted 5th graders from

area schools.

• Selection criteria: application, gifted identification, ACT Aspire

scores, 3-4 Proficiency level on report card in core subject areas,

teacher recommendation, and writing sample

• Review of application by a diverse committee

• Information/Application/Acceptance Timeline: January- March 2016

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AGT ~ Academy for Gifted and TalentedTeacher Training and Proposed Teacher Schedule

Teacher Qualifications:

Gifted certification, highly qualified in content area, IB certification

Teacher 1 Teacher 2Block 1 and 2: Math/Science (total time: 180 min.- self-contained)Block 3: Design/ Lunch (team teaching)Block 4: Teacher Planning/Collaboration

Block 1 and 2: ELA/Social Studies (total time: 180 min.- self-contained)Block 3: Design/ Lunch (team teaching)Block 4: Teacher Planning/Collaboration

A Day B Day

Block 1 and 2: Math/Science (total time: 180 min.- self-contained)Block 3: Arts/LunchBlock 4: PE

Block 1 and 2: ELA/Social Studies (total time: 180 min.- self-contained)Block 3: Design/ Lunch Block 4: Spanish

Proposed Student A/B Schedule:• Based on an A/B Schedule• Allows for dedicated time to academics• Self contained classroom settings

Proposed Teacher Daily Schedule:• Allows for dedicated time to academics• Self contained classroom settings• Allows teachers to Team Teach and Collaborate daily• Provides adequate time for teachers to build

relationships with all students within the cohort