What does the High-Ability Program look like for 2009-10?

Here's a snapshot of what we (the HASIP staff) envision for the program in its second year of existence. In some ways things will be the same, and in others, there will be some changes. Participants can expect to be involved in:

1. PLC groups - meeting once a month or so with your group at your school to share resources and ideas, discuss challenges, look at student work, talk about strategies, etc.

2. Coaching support - talking (phone or iChat) with your coach weekly about what's going on in your classroom, what strategies you might try, what kinds of things you need in terms of support/resources/information.

3. Reflections - approximately 2x/month. NOT the same format every time (different from last year). Tied to your own personal goals, and also aligned to some of the topics that are covered in the endorsement classes. In September, the "assignment" is the personal goal-setting sheet that went out at the beginning of this week. Sometimes, a reflection will include videorecording your instruction or class activity, but not EVERY time (or even every week).

4. Professional Development - ongoing opportunities to access readings, webinars, internet resources, etc. We'll be a little more structured than last year, hopefully with a more clear sense of focus and direction. The PD will also be aligned to some of the topics that are covered in the endorsement classes. For example, in October we'll hone in on characteristics of gifted kids, and how we know who it is we need to be targeting with our classroom strategies. This PD focus will give your PLC group and your coaching conversation some direction as well.

5. Continued/enhanced technology training - developing skills for using and integrating technology in a meaningful way in your professional practice. We provide several tools for this program aspect, including the Program MacBook, digital camera, and document scanner. Our Confluence intranet site, the High-Ability Utah public website, and the HASIP blog are all forums for communication and resource-sharing.

Finally, an optional part of the program is the online gifted and talented G/T endorsement class, offered through Utah State University. This is really "icing on the cake" for our participants, but if you choose to get the endorsement, we'll support you in every way possible!

What questions do you have, or what clarification would be helpful in understanding the different program elements? Feel free to comment!