BETA Mini School Bringing Exceptional Thoughts Alive
Guiding Questions Part I: Highly Able Learners • Who are our highly able learners? • Photo by Tim What do we consider when programming for highly able learners? • What options do we have in Burnaby for highly able learners at a secondary level? Part II: The BETA Mini School at Alpha Secondary • What is the program? • What is the application process? Photo by Tim
Who are our highly able learners?
Let’s Talk Jargon… High-Ability Learner Gifted Learner Advanced Highly Able Learner Learner Unique Learner
Common Characteristics of Highly Able Students Highly curious Demonstrates Creativity and ‘out of the box’ thinking Abstract thinkers Extraordinary capacity to Clever sense of humour remember and process information Superior vocabulary Intuitive Strong feelings and opinions Advanced ardent interests Original ideas *adapted from Gross, MacLeod, Drummond & Merrick (2001), Clark (1983), Baska (1989) & Kanevsky (1999)
Unique Cognitive Profile • benefit from less repetition and more time spent on higher level thinking tasks than age peers • benefit from increased depth, pacing and complexity • gifted students are capable of abstract reasoning up to three years earlier than age peers • benefit from opportunity to connect with and engage in complex tasks with likeminded peers
Masquerading as someone you are not, day after day, is exhausting. - Unknown Unique Social Emotional Profile
Options for Highly Able Secondary Students In Burnaby… BETA Mini School for Highly Able Learners at Alpha AP and Capstone Programs Enriched Courses Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities Extra Curricular Opportunities
Mini School PROGRAM DESIGN • Grade 8/9 Cohorts for core subject areas Humanities (English/Social Studies) Scimatics (Math and Science) • Physical Education, Applied Skills, French and Arts electives are with the Alpha School Community • Scheduling to allow for compacted and enriched curriculum and Independent Directed Study
Independent Directed Study • Teacher as mentor • Self-directed study in area of interest • Process oriented • Opportunity to explore the Core Competencies through synthesis of a student identified passion project
Capitalizing on student strength “If we all did the things we were capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” -Thomas Edison
What does the program look like? CONT NTENT PROCESS PRODU ODUCT EN ENVI VIRONME MENT
• Compacted Redesigned BC Curriculum • Directed study in pursuit of passion area CONT NTENT • Increased pace, depth and complexity of content • Integration of student interest
An instructional model that focuses on: • Collaborative approaches • Individual development and identity • Differentiated instruction and Self- directed study PROCESS • Opportunities for Interdisciplinary study within Humanities and Scimatics • Seminars, inquiry and in-depth study • Technology Integration
Assignments that: • Encourage the synthesis not summarization of information • Are open-ended with a high ceiling • Reflect not only knowledge, but PRODU ODUCT also the ability to manipulate ideas • Encourage self-reflection and individual learning processes
• Collaborative learning environment • Community of like-minded peers • Technology available to facilitate self- directed learning EN ENVI VIRONME MENT • Connection with Alpha Community and other Advanced Learning programs
Candidate Identification • High intellectual and creative potential • Intellectually curious • Strong desire to be in this type of learning environment (Collaborative, Creative, Cohort) • Demonstrated task commitment and self-directed study • Social responsibility • Willingness to collaborate with other learners Candidates do not need a formal Gifted “P” designation to apply to the program
Mini School Application Report Cards Parents Main Parent Input (if applicable, IEP, Application Form SLP, Psych-Ed) School Input School School Form References (Grade 7) (Grade 8-11) District Cognitive Writing Sample Screener
Application Process SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES: PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES: • Online Mini School Program • Online School Input Form (Gr 7) Application OR • Online Parent Input Form • School References (Gr 8 – 11) • Contacting School • Provide Report Cards (if applicable, copy of IEP and psycho- educational assessment) Parents are responsible for contacting your home school about your application to Mini School
Application Timeline • Online Application: October 4 th - November 8th • Cognitive Screener Dates: December 9 th - December 13th Photo by Delan 2 assessment sessions that are ½ day in length to complete cognitive abilities screener and writing sample • Notifications: January 31 st , 2020
What students say… “…Our classroom is a place for interactive, hands-on experience. We do exactly what the name states, which is: Bringing Exceptional Thoughts Alive. And within just a few months, I feel like I’m a part of one big family.” ~Catherine, BETA Mini School Student
What students say… “…The opportunities that we as a classroom receive are incredible, as we delve deep into fascinating topics. The BETA mini-school is everything promised and more, and I am so very lucky to be part of this wonderful class, and community.” ~ Isabela, BETA Mini School Student
What parents say… She finally has friends! Lots of them! Kindred spirits who accept her for who she is, appreciate her unique perspectives, and can relate to her previous experiences of not feeling like she fits in with her classmates. We are extremely grateful she has the opportunity to attend this wonderful program. She is really blossoming into the happy, confident student we always hoped to see her become. ~ Ann, Parent of a BETA Student
For more information… http://blogs.sd41.bc.ca/advancedlearning/ Emily Ginter (Advanced Learning Helping T eacher) Emily.Ginter@burnabyschools.ca
“In the ways and to the extent that students are similar, their education should be similar. In the ways and to the extent that students are different, their education should be different.” -Dr. Lannie Kanevsky, SFU Professor Gifted Education
Questions
BETA Mini School … Provides opportunities for the student to develop as a self- directed, life-long learner and team player by focusing on: o opportunities for interdisciplinary instruction within Humanities and Scimatics o collaborative approaches in a cohort o individual development and identity o differentiated instruction and self-directed learning o enrichment and engagement o seminars, inquiry and in-depth study
Recommend
More recommend
