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See the attached file to learn what PBL is and why it's a great instructional strategy to use with students! (Note: It can be used with any subject!)

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There are multiple pathways for a student to be identified as high ability...

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There are multiple pathways for a student to be identified as high ability...

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During their kindergarten year, students take the CogAT exam. This is a test for cognitive abilities and is the first time students may be identified as being high ability.

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NWEA test scores.  Any student who is performing in the 85th percentile or higher on either math or reading is evaluated for possible acceptance into the high ability program.

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Classroom performance. Not every student is a great test taker and some may show the potential for high academic achievement but have not yet had the opportunity to develop it. Any teacher may request an evaluation for a student they think might benefit from the high ability program.

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ACSC defines a high ability student as one who  "performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of academic accomplishment in math, language arts, or both, when compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests."

At ACSC, we focus on a cross-curricular approach with math and reading, incorporating social studies and science wherever possible.

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"High Ability students at Alexandria Community School Corporation (ACSC) are provided with accelerated and enriched curriculum and learning experiences as well as support for their unique social and emotional needs. ACSC is committed to removing all barriers that would prevent them the same opportunity for challenge and academic growth as other students in the school corporation."

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High Ability vs. High Achieving.  What's the difference?

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High Ability vs. High Achieving.  What's the difference?

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Both populations of students are serviced in the high ability program at ACSC, due to the small size of our district, but there is a difference.

Put succinctly, one is the student who knows the answer; the other is the student who asks the unexpected questions.

A high ability student is one who shows innate potential for higher levels of thinking and performance.  Their thinking is often more complex and abstract.

The high achiever is one who is a hard worker, is motivated, interested in learning, and is at the top of their class.  All of these may describe a high ability student but not always.

See the checklist at the following link for further distinctions.
https://cdn.byrdseed.com/wp-content/uploads/20210705200935/Bertie-Kingore-High-Achiever-Gifted-Creative.pdf

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With each lesson, utilize the concept extensions and challenge activities included in the lesson plans. Student-led activities often include above level activities.

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The following are resources for instruction with high ability students.  Any books mentioned are ones that can be found in one of the high ability classrooms.

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The following are resources for instruction with high ability students.  Any books mentioned are ones that can be found in one of the high ability classrooms.

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With each lesson, utilize the concept extensions and challenge activities included in the lesson plans. Student-led activities often include above level activities.

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Junior Great Books is a curriculum that utilizes a series of high-interest short stories and presents them with an inquiry-based approach.  This can easily supplement your reading curriculum and be used as a whole class or small group lesson. Activities support reading comprehension, critical thinking, speaking and writing, and each lesson culminates with a student-centered discussion.

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A 25-week enrichment book for math.  Questions require problem solving and creative thinking to solve.  They can be used as a center activity, for early finishers, or as another form of enrichment.

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A 25-week enrichment book for math.  Questions require problem solving and creative thinking to solve.  They can be used as a center activity, for early finishers, or as another form of enrichment.

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This book goes beyond calculation skills into a deeper level of mathematical understanding. Each chapter covers a different topic or concept.

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A highly engaging online math program that is adaptive to student needs and can be used as a supplement to the iReady math curriculum.

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If you are ever in need of something for the high ability or high achieving students in your class, reach out to your high ability teacher!

I myself have created a collection of challenge math problems, enrichment activities, projects, and more and am happy to share anything you might find useful for your students!

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A concept most teachers are familiar with, Bloom's Taxonomy is a great way of encouraging deeper level thinking with high ability students. Wherever possible, students should be working in the upper tiers of Bloom's Taxonomy.

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The six thinking hats strategy is a way of approaching a problem from multiple perspectives.  Each hat has a defined role and a way of thinking and students "don" each hat and approach the problem the way the hat would.

See the attached file for further information.

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This book goes beyond calculation skills into a deeper level of mathematical understanding.  Each chapter covers a different topic or concept.

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Though assessment is something nearly all teachers use, pre-assessments are especially important with high ability students.  They often come in with prior knowledge and by pre-assessing before every unit or lesson, you can determine what they already know.

But let's say they already know most of a unit/lesson?  What then?

There are many options but here are three.  Provide enrichment opportunities related to the topic in the form of a project or other activity.  Choice Boards are another great resource because students can choose how they'd like to continue learning.

Move them forward in the curriculum.  Many high ability students can make more than a year's worth of growth in a single school year.  By allowing them to continue in the curriculum, they can continue learning at their own pace and making growth.

Have them apply the same concept/topic in a more difficult way.  I.E., if they can add 2 digit numbers, let them try the same strategies with 3 or 4 digit, missing digit problems, or word problems.  Look at the corresponding standard for the grade level above.  The possibilities are endless!

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Perhaps an obvious suggestion but an easy one for high ability readers!  Put them in book clubs, conduct independent novel studies over a book of their choosing, have them do an author study in groups where they read different works by the same author and compare, etc.

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3-Act Math Tasks are a great way to engage students in a math problem.  Act 1 is Engage and Perplex, where students are presented with a problem and encouraged to discuss what they notice and ask questions.

In Act 2, they work on finding solutions as a group.

In Act 3, they share their work, thinking, and solutions.

https://gfletchy.com/3-act-lessons/

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3-Act Math Tasks are a great way to engage students in a math problem.  Act 1 is Engage and Perplex, where students are presented with a problem and encouraged to discuss what they notice and ask questions.

In Act 2, they work on finding solutions as a group.

In Act 3, they share their work, thinking, and solutions.

https://gfletchy.com/3-act-lessons/

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The IDOE created tiered lessons designed with high ability students in mind that are differentiated by readiness and interest.  You can find them (and other resources the IDOE has provided) at the following link:

https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-academic-standards/tiered-curriculum-project/

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We are currently working to update the Tiered Curriculum Project to reflect the most updated information. An updated version and the Language Arts documents will be coming soon.

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One of the many, many ideas for engaging students in problem solving activities, Noetic provides weekly problems that encourage problem solving skills and logical thinking.

Year Long Units for specific grade levels have also been purchased. Check with your grade level's high ability teacher!

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While it is a goal for all students, it is especially important with high ability students. The goal is to transfer responsibility of learning to the student, i.e. student centered learning. Teaching them to ask questions, to think more critically and dive deeper into a topic, lesson, or text. Guiding them to make meaning for themselves when it comes to a story or let them create their own strategies or work through a math problem without showing them how to solve it first.