The elementary school-wide-enrichment model has been successful since its conception several years ago. Every student participates in higher order thinking level sponge activities weekly, with the best of those published on a "Super Sponge Wall" so all students can see excellent interpretations. All GT teachers participate in Type 1 exploratory speakers in a program that coordinates speakers with units of student and/or interest, special events, and current events. Cultural enrichment is a priority of the speaker program, which may feature professional drama, musical performances, and storytellers.

150 Minutes Direct Instruction

 Identified send-out students participate in their own curriculum of study and center their thinking around specific core content and process skill curriculum. Students complete Type 3 research and investigation and have the option of participating in many academic competitions (Lego League, Robotics, Quiz Bowl, Media Festival Contest, Odyssey of the Mind, Academic Decathlon, Economic Fair, and Shakespeare Festival.) Students are also involved in the writing process through participation in the Literary Magazine sponsored by the parent AGATE group.

Middle School Cluster Classes

Student enrichment cluster classes match activities and materials with the strengths and interests of middle school students. Enrichment cluster classes encourage students to choose what subject area to go into great depth. Classes offered include architecture, quiz bowl, astronomy, math challenge, creative writing, chess, future problem solving, gifted girls, ornithology, problem solving, Sears inventions, Shakespeare drama, Wallet Wisdom Economics, zoology, perspective, and art. Each class is taught by a GT certified staff member and students sign up for their area of interest each semester. In addition, 7th graders participate in Pre-AP English and Algebra as a course of study to prepare for college.

Pre-AP Junior High Schools

At the junior high schools, Pre-AP is offered in Civics, World History, English, Advanced Algebra, Biology, and Geometry. A certified GT instructor is available on each campus. A certified GT instructor teaches Pre-AP social studies at George Jr. High School. Additional teachers attend not only "Secondary Content" workshops, but must also attend the College Board training for pre-AP prior to teaching courses.

IB and Advanced Placement (SHS & Har-Ber)

Springdale requires all students enrolled in any of the AP courses offered to take the corresponding AP exam in May. AP course offerings include Music Theory, Music History, Language and Composition, English, Literature and Composition, Studio Art, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Calculus A/B, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, U.S. History, World History, US Government and Politics, Comparative Government and Politics, and Computer Science. In addition, three AP teachers are also certified in gifted education. SHS is one of four schools in Arkansas to provide the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB). Through the IB program, students participate in research progjects, oral presentations, written investigations and labs. Students produce a portfolio to showcase their work, and they complete the IB exam.

• 11 students were candidates for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, with 2 earning the diploma. These students sat for 70 IB exams.

SHS and Har-Ber High have made focused efforts to meet the needs of students who speak other languages. SHS has ESOL courses in all four core areas and offers both AP Spanish Literature and Spanish Language. ESOL courses focus on hands on projects and reading. ESOL English classes have classroom libraries so students can read in their native language as they learn English. The library supports ESOL students by providing newspapers from home countries. ESOL special student organizations have been established such as the Multi-Cultural Club, the Islanders Club, Paso a Paso Club, and the World Unity and Peace Club. All teachers, not just ESOL ones, have participated in professional development which targets teaching strategies to better assist non-English speakers.

SSD Exemplary GT Program

SSD received the "Exemplary GT Program State Department Award", in addition to a NAGC national curriculum award with the middle-school enrichment curriculum entitled "Wallet Wisdom To Free Enterprise" (Partnership with John Brown University). "Gifted Girls, Gifted Women" middle school cluster class curriculum received an Arkansas for Gifted and Talented (AGATE) state curriculum award. The local AGATE Chapter president, Cynthia Black, received an AGATE state affiliate award for outstanding service to the district. Additional curriculum awards such as "Prelandra" and "When There Is A Will, There Is A Shakespeare Play" for middle level students. won AGATE state awards.

Each G.T. teacher is certified K-12 in gifted/talented programming.

Annual partnerships are formed with the Art Center of the Ozarks, Springdale Shiloh Museum, John Brown University, University of Arkansas, and AAAAA-West Partners promote Academic Competition and Excellence. There is a local AGATE Affiliate parent group.

Activities Completed by Gifted/Talented
 Program Staff in the Fall