Advanced Academics and Talent Development

The Advanced Academics and Talent Development Advisory Council (AATDAC) reviews and advocates for advanced academic and talent development (AATD) services. The AATD/AVID lead teachers, along with student and parent representatives, and an administrative and School Board representative, comprise the council. The purpose of AATDAC is to:

• Review and learn about advanced academic and talent development program options.
• Provide feedback on program ideas and implementation.
• Advocate for advanced academic and talent development programming in the schools and community.
• Serve as a liaison and information resource to their school's parent or school organizations.
• More information

For the 2022-23 school year, the council will meet virtually from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on the following dates. These meetings are open to the public (Zoom link; Meeting ID: 852 4721 9807
Passcode: 779600)

• November 10, 2022
• January 12, 2023
• March 23, 2023

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER

Parent Representatives Britt Gangeness, Brimhall Josh/Jessie Carlson, Central Park TBD, Edgerton Angela Prokop, Emmet D. Williams Sasmita Tripathy, Falcon Heights Wendy/Jeremy Peichel, Harambee   Rebecca Forman, Little Canada  Mark Skildum, Parkview Kim Lemcke, RAMS Kerry McNeill, RAHS RAS Student Representatives Raquel Cardoza Mejia Ayanna Churcher Archer Holman Erik Esteban Perez  Kalia Vang

Lead Teacher Representatives Bridget Gagnelius, Brimhall Sara Laine, Central Park Emily Mattson, Edgerton Cameron Radke, E.D. Williams Eric Kruger, Falcon Heights Kara Illetschko, Harambee Alison Prahl, Little Canada  Erin Anderson, Parkview  Ursala Pankonin, RAMS RAS Administrative Representative Mike Schroeder School Board Representative Mike Boguszewski Council Chairs Trina Hira, AATD  Tana Bogenholm, AVID

There are many ways to accelerate learning for students who are academically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally ready to learn at a faster pace or before the expected age for learning.

1. Early Entrance to Kindergarten or First Grade

• Policy and Regulations
• Procedure for Early Entrance to First Grade
• Early Entrance to Kindergarten Procedures 2023

2. Grade or Subject Acceleration:

• Policy and Regulations-Acceleration; Regulations-Retention
• Acceleration Process and Form

These options require a formal request and have a set process to follow. See the attachments above for more information on these procedures. The Request for Acceleration Form allows parents/guardians, teachers, or students to begin the process. Note that teachers also accelerate learning in more informal ways in the classroom, such as compacting the curriculum and differentiating instruction, and these informal procedures do not require a formal request form.

For more information on these options, please contact your child’s teacher, the school Advanced Academics and Talent Development lead teacher, or the district coordinator.

Our priorities within talent development and advanced academics include:

• Finding and developing the interests and strengths of our students
• Advancing critical and creative thinking skills of students
• Honoring student experiential knowledge and giving students opportunities to play an active role in their own learning
• Increasing complexity of instruction and depth of content to fit students' needs
• Providing accelerated learning opportunities

Our process for identifying students for advanced academics services within Roseville Area Schools incorporates the screening of all students, teacher observations and input, parent perspectives and input, classroom performance assessments, and ability testing.

In grades K-1, teachers use an informal identification and screening process that considers learning behaviors of all of their students. Using a teacher-nomination scale, they observe social and academic behaviors that are known to lead to high achievement levels or indicate the potential for high achievement. For more information on the informal identification process, download our Informal Identification fact sheet.

In October through December, all students in grade 2 and 4 take the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). This test measures students’ ability to reason and problem solve in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal domains. Teachers, lead teachers, and other relevant staff meet to review CogAT results and to consider the results of the grades K-1 informal screening and classroom assessments. The team uses these assessment results to identify students needing advanced academics.

• CLICK HERE to view a recording on "Understanding CogAT Results"
• CLICK HERE to read more information about CogAT

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How do I know if my child is identified as gifted?

The Minnesota Department of Education definition of giftedness focuses on " those students with outstanding abilities....(and) students capable of high performance." However, capability is not always apparent nor can it be easily measured, especially in young children. Also, performance alone is not an indication of giftedness. A student who is not identified as gifted but highly motivated could easily outperform a child who is identified as gifted but lacking motivation or opportunity. A child who comes from an enriched home environment could also show more advanced performance.

Some believe that a child who has an IQ of 130 or higher is gifted. But giftedness is also more than an IQ score. Giftedness is actually a combination of personality and intellectual traits that lead to increased sensitivity and aptitude in a number of areas.

Contrary to what many people think, the gifted child is not destined for success. Many gifted children have social, emotional, and educational needs that are not easily met in the normal school setting.

How will I know if and when my child has been identified?

Informal assessments and classroom grouping occur in grades K-2. Information and placement at this level is used solely for talent development purposes. No formal identification or notification occurs at this time. In the winter of second and fourth grade, the CogAT scores of all students are reviewed as part of a formal identification process.

The coordinator of Advanced Academics and Talent Development sends a letter (usually in February) to parents of identified students that confirms and explains the types of services the student will receive. 

What can I do if I believe my child is gifted and should be identified for service?

Start with your child's teacher and ask about your child's abilities in the classroom. Share with the teacher information about your child's strengths, interests, and achievements outside of school. Ask what the process is for identifying students for advanced work. The school's Advanced Academics and Talent Development lead teacher is another resource who can answer questions about the identification process.

When do you identify students and start service?

Student information is reviewed periodically throughout the child's school career, starting during kindergarten and then whenever new information becomes available (or at the request of a teacher or parent).

Informal services begin in grades 1-2 for students who show a need for differentiated curriculum due to high reading and math abilities. During these grades, a committee of educators reviews student profiles and screens all students for gifts and talents.

In January of grade 2, we review the results of CogAT, which is a strong indicator of a child's abilities, along with other district and classroom data. We repeat this review of data in grade 4.

Formal advanced academic services begins in grade 3.

My child has been in a gifted program in another school district. Does this guarantee placement in Roseville Area Schools' Advanced Academics and Talent Development Program?

Participation in a gifted program in another school district does not necessarily qualify a student for services in Roseville Area Schools. Be sure to share your child's gifted identification data with the Advanced Academics and Talent Development coordinator, and we will review the records to determine how to best serve the student in our district. Email Trina Hira at trina.hira@isd623.org or call her at 651-604-3649.

Bridget Gagnelius, Brimhall
Sara Laine, Central Park
Emily Mattson, Edgerton
Cameron Radke, E.D. Williams
Eric Kruger, Falcon Heights
Kara Illetschko, Harambee
Alison Prahl, Little Canada 
Erin Anderson, Parkview 
Ursala Pankonin, RAMS

Advanced Academics services are available for elementary, middle school, and high school students. At the elementary level, students are grouped so teachers can readily meet their advanced learning needs. In grades 7-8, courses in math and world language offer high school credit, and other courses offer advanced options to deepen and extend learning. At the high school level, students may take Advanced Placement courses, and college classes offered at the high school (CIS) or at neighboring colleges (PSEO).

Talent development and advanced academic opportunities extend beyond the school day and school year. The North Suburban Summer Academy and many other enrichment opportunities exist to meet advanced academic needs and interests. Resources to help guide parents are also plentiful. Below is a list of those opportunities and resources.

• Roseville Area Community Education: Roseville Area Community Education provides Academic All-Stars and Talent Development courses that are designed to extend learning and provide enriching experiences. Creativity and critical thinking are infused into learning activities.
• Get Ready for College: Up to $1000 is available to students on free/reduced lunch in grades 3-11 to take one summer enrichment class or camp.
• North Suburban Summer Academy: Summer Academy is a 3 week program that takes place in June for  students in grades 1-11. The academy was created through a partnership between 12 Minnesota school districts, including Roseville Area Schools. Registration opens in March. Partial scholarships are available.
• Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth: The Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth offers spring and fall classes for students in grades 1-4 and summer camps for students in grades 4-12. Financial aid is available.
• Northeast Metro 916: 916 lists enrichment opportunities for students in arts and academics.
• Science Museum of Minnesota: The Science Museum of Minnesota offers Saturday and summer classes in science and technology.
• St. Thomas University's Science, Technology & Engineering Camps: The University of St. Thomas offers a FREE day-long summer camp (STEPS – Science Technology & Engineering Preview) for students in grades 6-8 via a random lottery selection (applications open January through mid-April).
• Star Tribune Summer Camps Guide: Each spring, the Star Tribune publishes a summer camp guide that lists a huge range of opportunities for kids.
• Talent Development Testing: The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University offers above-level testing information for students(e.g. third grader taking the EXPLORE test or 7th grader taking the ACT), as well as online enrichment, honors and AP courses.
• University of Minnesota Children's Math Programs: The U of M offers several math programs for children: UMTYMP as well as Saturday and summer enrichment opportunities.
• University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering: STEM summer camps for juniors and seniors through the U of M College of Science and Engineering. Fees are reasonable due to donations, and scholarships available.

• All Things Gifted: The all-things-gifted site is full of resources, articles, books, and links to help and support parents, teachers, and gifted children alike. It's a great site to explore.
• AP Central, College Board: Information on AP (Advanced Placement) courses and exams.
• Center for Gifted Education: William and Mary's Center for Gifted Education site
• Center for Talent Development: Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development site has links for students, parents, and educators
• Institute of Talent Development: Davidson's Institute for Talent Development has a mission to recognize, nurture, and support profoundly intelligent young people and to provide opportunities for them to develop their talents to make a positive difference.
• Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented: The Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT) is a support and advocacy organization for parents and educators of gifted children. This organization sponsors an annual state conference and monthly CHAT nights around the Twin Cities.
• Naeg Center for Gifted Education & Talent Development: The University of Connecticut has a Gifted Education and Talent Development Center that researches ways to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented children.
• National Association for Gifted Children: The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) has links for educators, students, and families. Click on the site's Teaching for High Potential for great articles and resources.
• Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted: SENG's mission is to empower families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
• Twice Exceptional Newsletter: This bimonthly electronic publication promotes an understanding of twice-exceptional children and what they need to reach their potential. The newsletter features articles, news, events, book reviews, resources, etc.
• Uniquely Gifted: This website contains information for families of students who are both gifted and have special needs.

 

North Suburban Summer Academy is a highly respected summer enrichment program for students created by a partnership of twelve school districts, including Roseville, to provide rigorous courses for developing talents. Summer Academy is held in Columbia Heights and will take place from June 13 – June 29. Summer Academy serves students currently in grades 1-11 who are ready for advanced learning. Courses are designed specifically for students who enjoy intense study and challenge, and can work well independently and in groups. Classes are fast-paced, project-based and incorporate high-level thinking. Families who believe that Summer Academy would be a good academic fit for their children may register for the program. A recommendation or invitation is not required.

The Summer Academy course catalog can be accessed on the Summer Academy website. Registration takes place online on Mahtomedi’s Eleyo system. Students may register for one course within their 2022-23 grade level. Students in middle and high school can register for a class, or can apply to be a teaching assistant at Summer Academy. Information about the teaching assistant program (and the application) can be found here.

February 22 - March 10:

Browse course offerings listed on the Summer Academy website and note 3-5 course options for registration since classes fill quickly. Students will be enrolled in only one course for the duration of Summer Academy, but should select other choices in case their first choice fills. Note: grade levels correspond to the child’s current grade level. Create a Mahtomedi Eleyo Account so you are prepared to register.  If you already have an Eleyo account, log in and select Mahtomedi to your organizations.    If you do NOT have an Eleyo account, you will be prompted to register a new account. Once you have created your account, you will be able to add your children as students, add parents, and add emergency contacts. Families can register multiple students, from a single account, in a timely fashion. Learn more on the How to Register page. You may email info@nssacademy.com with registration questions.

Saturday, March 11

At 8:00 a.m., registration will open for all courses. You will login to the Mahtomedi Eleyo system and then click on the Summer Academy logo to begin your registration. Unlike previous years, a password is NOT needed for registration. Grade levels listed correspond to your child’s current grade. Some classes fill very quickly, sometimes within minutes, due to high demand. If your top choice for a course is filled, you can sign up for another course and/or sign up for the course waiting list  Tuition for Summer Academy is $440. When registering, tuition must be paid in full. Note that families are also responsible for the credit card processing fee. Exception: If you are requesting financial aid, you will need to indicate that on the registration site. Those requesting financial aid will pay a $25 fee that will be applied to tuition. Trina Hira will reach out to families to finalize the financial aid amount. Financial aid will be applied to the account on April 3, and the remaining balance will be charged to the credit card on file in the Eleyo system on April 14.  Motivated and responsible students in grades 7-12 can apply to become a Teaching Assistant at SA. Interested students must apply online between March 5- April 13. There is no tuition charge for TAs and bussing is free.

April 14 :

Tuition must be paid in full to Summer Academy.

May 12:

Families can drive their children to and from Summer Academy in Columbia Heights. Our district also offers transportation for a fee of $110 (with reduced rates for children who qualify for free/reduced meals). If you are interested in bussing, please print and fill out the transportation form and send it to Roseville’s transportation department at the District Center no later than May 12. You can request a paper copy of the form at the office of your child’s school. Bus confirmations will be sent home with students during the week of June 5.

 

If you need help with registration because you need technology or language assistance, please contact your school’s cultural liaison or Trina Hira by March 3 so we can help set up your registration.

If you have any questions regarding Summer Academy, call the Summer Academy office at 651-895-7337 or email them at info@nssacademy.com. If you have questions regarding financial aid or transportation, please contact me anytime.

The Twice-Exceptional Group

Some students who are gifted may also have autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, behavioral or emotional disorders, or related challenges. We have a twice-exceptional learning(2e) group to address the unique needs of multi-exceptional students and their families. If you are interested in learning more about twice-exceptional (2e) students, please join our 2e learning group. To join or for more information, please contact Trina Hira.

2022-23 Meeting Dates and Topics:

Nov. 29     Intensities and Emotions

Jan. 3       Relationships with Siblings and Peers

Feb. 7       Perfectionism

Mar. 7       Anxiety and Coping

Apr. 4        Parenting 2e Kids and IEP Q and A