Gifted and Talented Programs
WBLAS Gifted and Talented Program Survey
Gifted and Talented Program flyer
The White Bear Lake Area School District offers gifted services for students in grades K-12. From the elementary gifted pull out program to the advanced placement classes offered in high school, the wide range of gifted opportunities in the district are many and varied. All of the courses and special activities are designed to provide challenge and rigor for students at all levels to expand their learning and creativity in their particular area of interest. In addition to the curriculum gifted programs, many District 624 students take part in a variety of building enrichment and extra-curricular programs such as Math Olympiad, Destination Imagination, Young Authors Conference, Math League and numerous other academic clubs which encourage advanced learning and challenging activities. Similarly, as part of a collaborative of northeast metro districts, many White Bear Lake students also participate in special school year and summer programs aimed at gifted students.
District's Gifted Philosophy
The White Bear Lake Area School District believes that every child has the right to achieve at their highest potential, and we are committed to recognizing the unique value, needs, and talent of each of our students. The purpose of the district's gifted services is to provide a differentiated, enriched, academic environment that enables children with exceptional ability to reach their full potential.
Beliefs
"Every child including those who are gifted and talented deserves to learn something new every day. Every child - including high ability learners - deserves to be challenged, and to receive guidance and support in the development of his or her potential." Del Siegle, NAGC Program Chair & President 2008
Gifted students have significantly unique and varied cognitive and affective needs and are entitled to an education that provides an environment that supports those needs.
Giftedness knows no boundaries. Gifted students are found within all age groups and populations.
To meet the unique needs of gifted students, WBL Area schools has made a commitment to the following:
- make decisions for academically gifted learners based on research and best practice
- identify gifted students using multiple criteria and provide challenging learning experiences beyond the regular curriculum
- provide staff with the specific tools and training for differentiated instruction
- develop and promote high level thinking and problem solving skills
- encourage creative and critical thinking
- provide opportunities for sharing and exchanging ideas in a supportive environment
- review gifted services regularly and make appropriate changes
Gifted and Talented Program Review
White Bear Lake Area Schools is conducting a review of the District's Gifted and Talented program through a committee of 25 parents, staff, administrators, and experts within the field. The initial focus will be on elementary programming, with the intent to expand to secondary schools later in the process. This group will be hosting focus groups, surveying current and former students and their families, studying current best practice, and connecting with quality programs around the state and region.
If you would like more information about this process, please contact:
Ann Malwitz, Professional Learning and Development or
David Law, Assistant Superintendent.
