Overview Definition of Gifted & Talented Gifted Students in Alt. Schools Case Study The 5-D Process Summary of General Findings Identification Assessment Tools Web Resources Reflections Sourcebook (pdf) Differentiated Units

5-D Process with Activity Examples The Iowa Alternative Schools Project was based on a 5-D Model of Discovery, Description, Documentation, Development, and Dissemination. Below is a brief definition of each of the project’s five Ds. Each component is also followed by a list of relevant project activities. DISCOVERY: Iowa will have an effective process for assessing the number of talented students in alternative schools along with their programming needs. This process will also document the related experience and professional development needs of teachers in these alternative schools. Activities – Teacher Nominations - Teachers nominate students they believe can perform at a high academic level Student Survey – Nominated students complete a survey regarding their personal background, educational experiences, and future aspirations Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) – Nominated students complete the CogAT Selected subtests of the Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) – New to the 2005-2006 school year, nominated students complete at least the Space Relations subtest of the DAT Learner Characteristic Assessments – Nominated students complete a self concept measurement and an attribution questionnaire Teacher Survey – In 2004, teachers at pilot schools were asked to complete a voluntary teacher survey regarding their perceptions of gifted and talented students, teaching practices, and professional development in gifted and talented education DESCRIPTION: Iowa will have the capacity to report the characteristics and programming needs of talented students in alternative schools. Such reports will include information on teachers of these students as well, such as their perception of gifted and talented students, current teaching practices, and professional development experiences. Activities – Analysis of student data – Individual and group student profiles are established by analyzing nominated students’ CogAT and DAT scores, student survey responses, and learner characteristic assessment results Analysis of staff data – Teacher surveys are analyzed to develop a group profile of alternative school teachers Analysis of programming data – Teacher and student survey responses provide insight into gifted and talented programming options at alternative schools DOCUMENTATION: Iowa will regularly report on the characteristics and programming needs of talented students in alternative schools. These reports will include information on teachers of these students as well. Activities – Individual Student Profiles – Individual student CogAT and DAT profiles are shared with school staff members and the students Group Student Profile – The group student profile made up of the CogAT, DAT, student survey, and learner characteristic assessments results is presented to the schools Group Teacher Profile – The group teacher profile based on responses to the teacher survey is presented to the schools Programming Profile – The programming profile based on responses to the Student Survey and Teacher Survey is presented to schools DEVELOPMENT: Iowa will effectively prepare alternative school teachers to support talented students. Activities – Staff Development – Means of assisting alternative school educators in furthering their knowledge of gifted education include: summer workshops, financial assistance to attend education conferences, video conferences, and a listserv Curriculum Development – Teachers are invited to attend a summer workshop focused on differentiated curriculum. Nominated students are encouraged to take on-line AP courses. DISSEMINATION: Information on the Iowa model for serving talented students in alternative schools will be available throughout the state, regionally, and nationally. Activities – Conference Presentations – Project information is presented at state and national educational conferences Articles – Project information is presented in state and national publications Website – Project information is made available at the project’s website