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- 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
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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.
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 Elementary Gifted Program
Middle School Gifted Program
High School Gifted Program
Elementary Gifted Program
The goal of the program is to provide our young gifted learners with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to reach their full potential. Students in the elementary grades are identified for gifted services in the academic areas of literacy and math. Classroom teachers and gifted resource teachers work together to ensure that our gifted students are challenged at their appropriate level and are given opportunities to expand upon their individual strengths.
Classroom differentiation
Differentiation within the classroom is an important part of our district's gifted program. Webster's dictionary defines differentiation as "...the maximizing of learning for all children, by taking account of individual differences in learning style, interest, motivation and aptitude, and reflecting these variations in the classroom." (Webster, 1995, p34). The district has made a strong commitment to provide training in the area of differentiated instruction to our teaching staff. Differentiated instruction specifically responds to individual student's needs and learning styles, and it allows our teachers to meet the special needs of our gifted population.
Primary Challenge 1- 2
The gifted program for grades 1 and 2 is called Primary Challenge. Students are recommended for this program based on their exceptional performance in the classroom and readiness for advanced learning. Classes in the areas of math and communications are both challenging and fun, and encourage student's own creative development and individual intellectual growth. Pull out classes meet with the gifted resource teacher once a week during regular school hours.
REACH 3-5
REACH is the name of the program that provides service to gifted students in grades 3 through 5 in the academic areas of literacy and mathematics. Identified students leave their regular classrooms approximately once a week to attend classes with the resource teacher. Each REACH unit lasts from 8 to 12 weeks depending on the grade level and topic. In addition to challenging curriculum, these units provide opportunities for affective lessons, critical and creative thinking skills, and self-directed learning.
Resource Teachers
There are three resource teachers providing direct service to gifted students through REACH and Primary Challenge classes offered at each of the elementary schools. The resource teacher is also available to assist teachers with ideas and strategies to better meet the needs of gifted students in the classroom. The resource teachers providing service for the gifted elementary students in the district are:
Diane Nikkel 651-653-1492 Lincoln, Matoska International, Otter Lake
Anne Schwalbe 651-653-1561 Lakeaires, Lincoln, Oneka
Kate Whelan 651-653-1491 Birch Lake, Vadnais Heights, Willow Lane
MN Definition of Gifted and Talented
Gifted and talented children and youth are those students with outstanding abilities, identified at preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. These students are capable of high performance when compared to others of similar age, experience, and environment, and represent the diverse populations of our communities. These are students whose potential requires differentiated and challenging educational programs and/or services beyond those provided in the general school program. Students capable of high performance include those with demonstrated achievement or potential ability in any one or more of the following areas: general intellectual, specific academic subjects, creativity, leadership and visual and performing arts.
Identification Procedures
Characteristics of Gifted Children
Resources for Parents
Bright Learners vs Gifted Learners
Middle School - Enriched Classes
Robert McDowell, principal
Sunrise Park Middle School
651-653-2700
Noel Schmidt, principal
Central Middle School
651-653-2888
Qualifying students at Central or Sunrise Park Middle Schools may opt for enriched coursework in the following:
- Grade 6 - language arts, mathematics
- Grade 7 - language arts, mathematics, social studies and science
- Grade 8 - language arts, mathematics, social studies and science These courses are designed for students who have demonstrated strong interest and ability in the course content area.
High School - Advanced Placement and College in the Schools
Don Bosch, principal
WBLHAS North Campus
651-653-2920
Tim Wald, principal
WBLAHS South Campus
651-773-6200
White Bear Lake Area High School (both North and South Campus) offers a range of courses appropriate for the student interested in pursuing advanced study at a college or university.
For students who have demonstrated strong interest and ability in specific areas, WBLAHS offers advanced level learning through
- Designated Advanced Level courses
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- College in the Schools (CIS) courses
- Post-secondary Enrollment Options and Mentor Connection
Students who are planning to continue their education beyond high school are encouraged to discuss areas of interest with counselors so that appropriate preparatory courses are taken in high school.
Benefits for Students
- Participate in rigorous and fast-paced coursework; accelerate learning.
- Learn a subject in greater depth.
- Develop advanced-level skills in critical thinking and writing that can contribute to continued success at the college level.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a college-level subject with the high academic standards established by college faculty.
- Demonstrate a willingness to undertake academic challenges.
- Earn college credit without leaving the high school campus and, thus, decrease overall college expenses.
Advanced Placement (AP)
The College Board's Advanced Placement Program (AP), is an opportunity for students to pursue college-level courses while in high school. Through this program, students may earn credit, advanced placement, or both, for college. Participating colleges grant credit and/or advanced standing to students who have done well on the AP exams. Students participating in the AP Program are eligible for AP Scholar Awards. Over 90% of the colleges and universities in the United States use AP grades. White Bear Lake Area High School is one of about 50% of the nation's 21,000 high schools to offer AP coursework.
College in the Schools (CIS)
College in the Schools classes are introductory-level college courses offered by the University of Minnesota and White Bear Lake Area High School for juniors and seniors. CIS courses are taught during the regular school day on site at the high school. Upon successful completion of the course, five credits at the University of Minnesota are earned for each semester course. College tuition is paid for the student through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act. In most cases, credits can be transferred to other colleges and universities. Students should contact their college of choice to obtain specific information regarding the transfer of CIS credits.
College Credit Equivalents
The number of college credits awarded based on student AP test scores varies by university. Students should contact their college of choice to obtain specific information regarding the school's Advanced Placement Policy.
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