Gifted
Opportunities            f      for
Advanced
Learning

North Allegheny School District Gifted Department

 

 

General Information     Identification     Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Curriculum and Instruction     Gifted Individualized Education Program

Elementary Program     Bradford Woods     Franklin     Hosack     Ingomar     Marshall     McKnight     Peebles

Middle School Program     Carson     Ingomar     Marshall

Secondary Program     North Allegheny Intermediate High     North Allegheny Senior High

Master Teacher     Elementary Staff     Middle School Staff      Secondary Staff

Summer Opportunities            Northern Area Gifted Consortium Calendar

Individualized Option Permission Slips:    NASH       NAI      Middle School

Directory of Organizations and Resources      Resources:  Links for Students and Teachers     Competitions and Contests 

District Make-Up Policy                             Middle School Science Bowl          2008 Wallops Island Information

Links for Students and Teachers                Smith Island Parent Meeting    Wallops Island Parent Meeting

 

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General Information
North Allegheny's gifted support program is called GOAL. GOAL stands for "Gifted Opportunities for Advanced Learning." The program began during the 1977-78 school year and has gone through many changes and improvements.  The GOAL program is required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a part of its special education mandate for those whose needs cannot be fully met in the regular classroom.  In particular, GOAL provides additional depth and enrichment, both inside and outside of the classroom, for students whose abilities, at least in some areas, require greater challenge.

The GOAL program provides opportunities for students to utilize and further develop the higher order thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, application, and evaluation. All activities are designed to emphasize the four strands of gifted performance:

  • critical thinking
  • problem solving
  • creativity
  • communication skills

Since December 2000, rules and regulations governing gifted education are contained in Chapter 16: Special Education for Gifted Students, part of the Pennsylvania School Code.  A copy of this law can be obtained on the PA Department of Education website at www.pde.state.pa.us

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Identification
The definition of giftedness comes from the Pennsylvania Special Education Rules and Regulations. It states:

Mentally Gifted - Outstanding intellectual and creative ability, the development of which requires individually designed programs and/or support services not ordinarily provided in the regular education program. This term includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher and when multiple criteria, as set forth in Department Guidelines, indicates gifted ability. Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone. A person with an IQ score lower than 130 may be admitted to gifted programs when other educational criteria in the profile of the person strongly indicate gifted ability. Determination of mentally gifted shall include a full assessment in accordance with this chapter.

North Allegheny uses five general categories of multiple criteria to create a
screening matrix for consideration for gifted programming. These categories are:

  • ability/aptitude standardized test scores
  • performance or achievement test results
  • teacher ratings
  • QPA (grades 6-12)
  • results of individual intelligence tests (Stanford-Binet IV or WISC III)

All of this data is scored according to preset criteria. If a students achieves the required number of points for that grade level, he or she is recommended for inclusion in the GOAL program.

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Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation
Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE) is the process used for collecting all pertinent information to determine a child's eligibility at the time of the initial referral.

Parents may request in writing a GMDE of their child due to suspected giftedness by writing a letter to the principal of the child's school.  Such requests are limited to one per school year.

Gifted Multidisciplinary Team (GMDT) is composed of:

  • Student's parents
  • Person familiar with student's experience and performance
  • Certified school psychologist
  • Regular education teacher
  • Guidance counselor

GMDE is comprised of:

  • Parent information
  • Results of testing
  • Academic functioning
  • Social behavior
  • Learning problems
  • Learning strengths
  • Educational needs

The Gifted Multidisciplinary evaluation shall make recommendations as to whether a student is exceptional. Recommendation cannot be based on a single test or procedure. The GMDT provides a comprehensive written report, called the Gifted Written Report (GWR) 10 days after the completion of the GMDE.

The Gifted Written Report (GWR) is a concluding summary of the evaluation process which is completed as part of the initial referral.  Reevaluation only occurs before a change in educational placement or at the recommendation of the GIEP team.  A copy must be sent to the parents.

Timelines

  • 45 school days from the time parental permission is obtained to evaluate until the completion of the Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE).
  • 10 school days from the completion of the GMDE until the completion of the Gifted Written Report (GWR).
  • 5 school days from the completion of the GWR until it is delivered to the parents.
 
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Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP)
Gifted Individualized Education Plan developed at a conference with parent attending (within 30 calendar days after issuance of GWR).

GIEP applies to all school districts within Pennsylvania.

A GIEP consists of:

  • Summary of present levels of educational performance
  • Identifies areas of strength and need
  • Explains how services will be provided (goals and objectives)
  • Describes changes needed in all school settings, including regular education if necesary.
  • Beginning date and duration of service

Required members of each GIEP team are:

  1. The student's parent(s).
  2. Your child, if you choose to have him or her participate.
  3. A representative of the school district who serves as the chairperson of the GIEP team, is knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the district, and who is authorized by the district to commit those resources.
  4. One or more of your child's teachers (may be the GOAL teacher).
  5. Others either you or the district invites to participate.

If you choose not to attend the GIEP meeting, it may be held without you.

There should be appropriate objective criteria to assess whether goals and objectives have been achieved on an annual basis.

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Master Teacher
Sharon Kroll
(724) 935-4044

HT Math
Shari Schlosser

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Elementary Staff
Bradford Woods (724) 935-5081
Margee Begley


Franklin (412) 635-4700
Carla Kuhn
Ellyn Snyder

Hosack (412) 635-5125
Christina Kralic

Ingomar Elementary (412)369-2800
Marianne Kennedy-Evans

Marshall Elementary (724) 935-4044
Heather Esswein

Sharon Kroll

Shari Schlosser

McKnight (412)635-4105
Christina Kralic
Diane Regule


Peebles (412) 366-9667
Carla Kuhn
 


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Middle School Staff
Carson Middle (412) 369-5561
Ann Hilty
Cris Ruffolo

Ingomar Middle
Dana Boyd            (412) 348-1403
Rich Gebrosky    (412) 348-1425

Marshall Middle (724) 934-6010
Dana Boyd
Pam Ross
Dan Williams


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Secondary Staff
NA Intermediate (412) 369-5457
Sherri Fochler
Janet Serdy
Cyd Stackhouse
Joann Urbaniak 


NorthAllegheny Senior High
Fran Bogos     (724) 934-7252
Dom Gliozzi 
    (724) 934-7902
Linda Vete      
(724) 934-7918
Kathy Will       (724) 934-7219


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Events

Through the course of a school year there are many independent options offered at each level. These activities are provided to help meet the needs of individual students.

Elementary Events

Curriculum and Instruction
Assessment of students is on-going and progress reports are issued to parents at the end of each semester. GIEP conferences to discuss goals and objectives are held annually and additional conferences are scheduled on an as-needed basis.

The District's policy regarding students' making up work missed in the regular class while attending GOAL class is that work of a basic and routine nature need not be made up. Work that is essential to enable students to fully participate in on-going activities or requested by the classroom teacher should be made up. Students and parents should check with the regular education teacher for specific policies and procedures for each classroom.  A copy of the district's policy may be obtained by contacting the Gifted Support Master Teacher.

Parents interested in volunteering should check with their child's GOAL teacher regarding opportunities.

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Elementary Program
Elementary GOAL classes are held once a week. The program consists of two components with weekly class time allotments as follows:

  • thematic units - 90 minutes
  • individualized option - 45 minutes

Thematic units are interdisciplinary in nature, but usually have an emphasis in one of the four major elementary curriculum areas of science, social studies, mathematics or communication arts. Specific units of study are selected by the GOAL teacher in each building. Examples of thematic units are:

  • Grade 2 - Voyage of the Mimi
  • Grade 3 - Architecture
  • Grade 4 - Mystery
  • Grade 5 - Mini-Society

Individual option activities are self-selected by the students based on individual interests, strengths and needs, although the activities may be organized under categories such as centers, independent research, academic games, or other similar areas.

Although students may elect to participate in either of these components, the majority of students choose to take advantage of both aspects of the program. Field trips are occasionally scheduled to complement either thematic units or individual strengths and interests of students.

In the smaller schools, grades are often combined into primary and intermediate level classes. At the larger schools, there are typically classes held for each grade.


ELEMENTARY MATH EXTENSIONS/COMMUNICATION ARTS PLUS

Differentiation in the regular education program is provided through flexible grouping and through two special programs. Although not formally part of the GOAL program, Math Extensions and Communication Arts Plus are taught by the GOAL teachers in collaboration with the regular classroom teachers. A child does not have to be identified as gifted to participate in Math Extensions or Communication Arts Plus.

Math Extensions (M.E.), a push-in program:

  • is offered to all top math group students in grades two through five
  • provides and advanced math curriculum
  • consists of 15 formal sessions each year during math class with other on-going
    extensions provided by the math teacher.

Communication Arts Plus (CAP) is a pull-out program for which students must qualify in three areas:

  • achievement test scores in comprehension or total reading
  • written language assessment
  • teacher assessment of student classroom performance

CAP utilizes the Junior Great Books program as a primary basis. It is also conducted for 15 formal sessions during the year with other extensions offered by the communication arts teacher.

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Middle School Program
The middle school GOAL program is designed to provide a transition between the structure of the elementary program and the highly individualized nature of the secondary program. Classes are scheduled as follows:

  • 6th and 7th grade-twice a week during the reading period for approximately
    45 minutes per class.  The reading curriculum is compacted from five days to three days per week.
  • 8th grade - once a week during the English period for approximately 45
    minutes per class.  The English curriculum is compacted from five days to four days per week.

The middle school program also has two central components:

Units of Study
The following middle school units of study for the 2007-2008 school year are divided into two parts.  One part, the "Assured Experiences" will be offered to middle school GOAL students at all buildings.  GOAL teachers at each middle school may then choose several of the "Optional Experiences" for their students.  These experiences will be chosen based on the needs of the students and the strengths of the teachers.  Additional units of study may be piloted during the academic year but only after the Assured Experiences are complete.

6th Grade

Assured Experiences
  • Gift Rap/Gifted Goods and Gripes
  • Olympics of the Mind
  • Toy Company
Optional Experiences - At least one of the following will be offered during the school year.
  • Batter Up!
  • Inventioneering
  • Mock Trial/Law Unit
  • Oral History
  • Persuasive Speech
  • Stock Market Game

7th Grade

Assured Experiences
  • Multiple Intelligences
  • Olympics of the Mind
  • Public Speaking: (one of the following)
         Mystery Night
         Wax Museum
         You Be the Docent
Optional Experiences - At least one of the following will be offered during the school year.
  • Amazing Race
  • Funny Bone
  • Hands-On Science
  • Learning Styles
  • Mock Trial
  • Poetry for Two Voices/American Poetry Extension

8th Grade

Assured Experiences
  • Olympics of the Mind
  • Issues and Controversies
         Debate/Panel Discussion
         Holocaust/Genocide
         Underground Railroad
Optional Experiences - At least one of the following will be offered during the school year.
  • Awards/Graduation
  • Differentiated Units (one of the following)
         Front Page
         Rube Goldberg
         Shark Dissection
         Story-Telling
         Writing Options
  • Disaster Simulation
  • Here's My Story
  • Space Base
  • Technology Unit (Front Page)

 

Independent Options (I.O.'s)
Independent options are self-selected by the students, parents, and teachers in collaboration to address each student's strengths, interests and needs.  The activities cover all disciplines and are usually one of the following:

  • academic competitions
  • subject-specific workshops
  • on and off campus activities
  • independent projects

North Allegheny gifted students often interact with other gifted students from surrounding school districts in many of these activities.

Differentiation may be utilized in the regular education program in the areas of science, social studies, math and communication arts (Reading, English) based on individual student needs and demonstration of competence.

CMS GOAL

IMS GOAL

MMS GOAL

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Secondary Program(Check out the senior high GOAL program for more detailed information about current activities.)
The secondary GOAL program is designed to be highly individualized to meet the needs of students with diverse interests and advanced levels of skill in various disciplines. There are no scheduled GOAL classes but monthly meetings are held at both secondary schools.

Intermediate High School - 9th and 10th grade students meet as a class group during homeroom time the last full week of each month.

Senior High School - students meet by the following interest groups the first full week of each month during the homeroom time:

1. education/psychology/arts/communications
2. medicine/health/biological sciences
3. engineering/computer science/physical science
4. business/law/languages/social studies

Communication about upcoming activities occurs through these meetings and also through student mailboxes in each GOAL office. Additional newsletters, flyers and mailings are also distributed as needed. Participation levels vary according to the individual interests, needs and schedules of students.

On-site enrichment activities are provided at each building. Examples of such activities are:

  • simulations
  • guest speakers
  • independent study
  • academic competitions/contests
  • scholarship awareness
  • college representative visits
  • application process for Governor's School of Excellence.

Off-site enrichment activities allow for utilization of community resources as well as those of the District. Such activities include:

  • apprenticeships
  • shadow studies/mentorships
  • lectures/seminars
  • arts/theater performances
  • Northern Areas Gifted Consortium activities
  • participation in Governor's School of Excellence programs

Academic differentiation and acceleration is provided at the secondary level via extensive offerings in Honors and Advanced Placement courses in many subjects.  Additionally, numerous other in-depth electives are offered in areas of interest. A child does not have to be identified as gifted to participate in these courses.

Glossary

  1. Enrichment - In-depth learning experiences that provide more contact with topics than
    that covered in regular education.
  2. Acceleration - Access to higher level learning activities than provided in regular
    education. Examples: grade skipping, course compacting, credit by examination.
  3. Course Compacting - Eliminating content of a course that a child has already mastered so a faster pace can be undertaken.
  4. Honors Course - A secondary level course designed to be advanced in content process and product. Often these courses have prerequisite requirements.
  5. Advanced Placement Course - A secondary course in which there is the possibility of earning college credit or advanced college placement upon successful completion of a national test given after course completion.
  6. Differentiation - Adaptation of a curriculum to meet a student's needs.
  7. Homogeneous Grouping - Grouping based on an identified specific variable that all students have in common.
  8. Heterogeneous Grouping - Grouping based on grade level which includes students with diverse needs and learning styles.
  9. Flexible Grouping - Temporary grouping arrangement designed to allow students at a similar performance level to work together on a specific skill or objective.
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Directory of Organizations and Resources

Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Judy Cunningham
Suite 201, 1400 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA   15222
(412) 394-5829

America 2000
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, D.C.  20202-0498
(800) USA-LEARN
Ask to receive newsletter and booklet:
America 2000 An Education Strategy.  Resources available:  Strategic Plan 1994 and monthly issues of the Community Update.

American Mensa, Ltd.
201 Main Street, Suite 1101
Ft. Worth, TX   76102
(817) 332-2600

Center for the Gifted
3324 Midvale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA   19129
(215) 849-5077
Provides identification and assessment, vocational testing and guidance, counseling and psychotherapy, workshops, and community services.

Council for Exceptional Children
1920 Association Drive
Reston, VA   22091-1589
(800) 845-6CEC
Provides lists of resource books and literature available for order.

The Education Law Center - Pennsylvania
Suite 610, 801 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA   19107
Phone:     (215) 238-6970
FAX:       (215) 625-9589
Pittsburgh Office:     (412) 391-5225
Ask for a copy of The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania - A Guide for Parents.  Single copies are free; special reates for parents' organizations.

Investigation of Talented Elementary Students
Dr. Ann Lupkowski Shoplik, Director
Carnegie Mellon University
240 Hamburg Hall
Pittsburgh, PA   15213-3890
(412) 268-1629
Provides annual talent search for 3rd through 5th graders and offers academically challenging summer programs for identified students.

Mensa Gifted Children Pen Pals International
Dr. Debby Van de Vender
166 E. 61st Street
Box 11G
New York, NY  10021

National Association for Gifted Children
Suite 550
11707 L Street, NW
Washington, D.C.   20036
(202) 785-4268
Magazines available:  Parenting for High Potential and Gifted Child Quarterly plus a newsletter.  They also do national advocacy work.

National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented
The University of Connecticut
362 Fairfield Road, U-7
Storrs, CT   06269-2007
(203) 486-4826
www.gifted.uconn.edu

***North Allegheny Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (NAPAGE)
P.O. 192
Wexford, PA   15090

***North Allegheny Gifted Support Master Teacher
Marshall Elementary School
5135 Wexford Run Road
Wexford, PA   15090
(724) 935-4044

***North Allegheny Gifted Support Office
McKnight Elementary School
500 Cumberland Road
Pittsburgh, PA   15237
(412) 635-4108

Pennsylvania Department of Education
www.ped.state.pa.us

Parent Education Network
33 East 7th Avenue
York, PA   17484
Ask for a copy of A Parent's Guide for Resolving Conflicts Concerning Your Child's Special Education Needs and IEP Guide for Parents.
(800) 522-5827  or  (717) 845-9722

Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE)
3026 Potshop Road
Norristown, PA   19403
(610) 584-5221
PAGE Help line:   (717) 774-0476
www.penngifted.org
Membership brochures and newsletters are avialable.

Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN)
Route 8
Gibsonia, PA   15044
(724) 443-7821

Support Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
405 White Hall
Kent State University
P.O.  Box 5190
Kent, OH   44242
(330) 672-4450
SENG focuses on parents to help them understand their gifted children and assist them in developing to their full potential.

 

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Summer Opportunities

Local or Online Opportunities for Students

  • C-MITES - Carnegie Mellon University, offers challenging weekend and summer programs for academically talented students in grades K-9   www.cmu.edu/cmites
  • Penn State - Kids who have been keeping a close eye on NASA's exploration of Mars can sign up to plan their own mission to the Red Planet this summer. Penn State's newest Action Potential Science Experience program, "Star Tours: Mission to Mars," will help students entering grades 4 through 8 use hands-on research to design the first manned "mission" to Mars.  For more information click on this link:   www.outreach.psu.edu/C&I/ActionPotential  
  • Penn State - Penn State's College of Communications will hold the Institute for Middle School Journalists from July 18 to 21, 2004. Students will learn about newspaper writing and design, photojournalism, group communication skills and computer use in the field of journalism.  Check it out at:             http://www.outreach.psu.edu/pr/CommunicationsInstitutes
  • Penn State - During this summer's Penn State Institute for High School Filmmakers, young filmmakers will be offered an insider's look at how films are made. The camps, part of Penn State's College of Communications' summer institutes, will be held from July 18 to 22 and from July 25 to 29 on Penn State's University Park campus. Check this out at:   http://www.outreach.psu.edu/pr/FilmInstitute 
  • Brown University - SPARK Program.  Brown is seeking a small group of 7th and 8th grade students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in math and science for a unique one-week residential program on the campus of Brown.  Complete information and course descriptions can be found at http://www.brown.edu/summer/pre-college/spark.html
  • Allegheny Intermediate Unit - (412) 394-5700  http://www.aiu3.com
  • Andrew's Leap - High School and Extremely Talented Middle School Students - Six week non-residential summer program in the areas of computer science and robotics.  Must take a test to be considered for admission.  http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~leap
  • Architecture for Kids - Grades 3-12 - Ten week course offered on Saturdays during the school year.  Tuition is $150.  Contact Kelly Docter, CMU  kdocter@andrew.cmu.edu
  • Brigham Young University Independent Study Program - Grades 7-12 - Online courses in a variety of subject areas.  (800) 914-8931  indstudy@byu.edu  http://ce.byu.edu/is/site/index.dhtm
  • Davidson Young Scholars Program - Ages 4-16 may apply, serves ages 4-18 - Online mentors for gifted students, seminars for parents.  Free  (775) 852-DITD  http://www.ditd.org/public
  • Education Program for Gifted Youth - Grades K-12 - Stanford University, Computer based correspondence courses in math (grades K-12), English (grades 4-12), secondary physics, secondary computer science, and music theory. Tuition $450-$900  (800) 372-EPGY  epgy-info@epgy.stanford.edu http://epgy.stanford.edu
  • Gifted Online Accelerated Learning - Grades 4-8  The University of Missouri, Online, self-paced classes in math, science, language arts, foreign languages, and social studies.  Cost: $102 to $125 per component (some course are one part, others two)  (800) 609-3727  cdis@missouri.edu  http://cdis.missouri.edu.GOAL.html
  • Johns Hopkins University Distance Learning - Grades K-12 - Center for Talented Youth (CTY)  Courses in math, science, computer science, and writing; many courses geared for high school level; math courses can begin at age 5; writing workshops begin at fifth grade level.  Tuition varies from $540 to $1,050 (410) 516-0337  ctyinfo@jhu.edu http://www.cty.jhu.edu/cde/index.html
  • Moving Fourth Into Engineering - Grade 4 - Dana Hilinski, CMU, One day in the spring  (412) 268-5227 hilinski@andrew.cmu.edu  http://www.ices.cmu.edu/movingfourth.html
  • National Computer Camp - Ages 8-18 - Dr. Michael Zabinski; Summer residential and commuter program; Computer programming and software; One-week camp at LaRoche College; additional camps for 2-5 weeks at other locations, including Notre Dame College in Cleveland.  Tuition $825 per week residential, $695 per week commuter.  (203)795-9667    info@nccamp.com  http://www.nccamp.com
  • Pennsylvania Governor's School of Excellence - Grades 10-11 - General information: (570) 524-5244; Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences at CMU - Barry Luokkala - (412) 268-2756 pgsc@cmu.edu  http://www.pgss.mcs.cmu.edu/home/about/description.html  Subject areas include the arts, agriculture, health care, international studies, the sciences, and teaching.  Five-week summer residential program.  Cost:  Refundable security deposit; tuition is free. 
  • Pre-College Program - High School:  Completed the 11th grade or at least 16 years old - CMU, Office of Admissions; (412) 268-2082  precollege@andrew.cmu.edu     http://www.cmu.edu/enrollment/pre-college    Student can focus on one subject area in the arts (namely art, design, drama, or music) or be part of the Advanced Placement Early Admission Program, taking the university classes in a variety of subject areas.  Six-week residential summer program.  Tuition:  Ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on the number of courses and subject area(s).
  • RoboCamp - Grades 6-8 - One week, non-residential summer program.  Tuition: $175  Robin Shoop, (412) 681-7160; roboed@red.ri.cmu.edu    http://www.rec.ri.cmu.edu/education/index.html  
  • SWE High School Day - Grades 11-12, girls only - Engineering presentations and activities, one day in the fall.  Hilda Diamond, CMU's Society of Women Engineers (SWE)  (412)268-2521; hd01@andrew.cmu.edu
  • The Virtual School for the Gifted - Grades 4-12 - Online classes in a variety of subject areas.  Cost:  $195 per course; group registrations are possible for some classes at a bulk rate. Based in Australia.  Phone: 11-61-3-9710-1558; vsg-admin@vsg.edu.au     http://www.vsg.edu.au 

Summer Programs Outside the Pittsburgh Area

  • Apogee - Grades 4-6; Spectrum - Grades 7-9; Equinox - Grades 10-12 (9th under special circumstances) - Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University  (847) 491-3782; Three weeks, residential of commuter; Classes in math, science, humanities, and computers; Tuition - $2,300.00  http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu:16080/summer/descap.html 
  • Camp Kennedy Space Center - Grades 2-9;  Kennedy Space Center;  (321) 449-4400.  One week, commuter.  Space activities, including meeting with an astronaut, rocket launching, and space shuttle mission simulations.  Tuition: $260.00  kscinfo@dncinc.com    http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/educatorsParents/camp.asp
  • High School Journalism Institute - Grades 9-11;  Linda J. Johnson, The University of Indiana  (812) 855-0895; lijohnso@indiana.edu  One Week, residential or commuter. Programs include Television News, Yearbook, Newspaper, Business/Advertising, Photojournalism.  Tuition: $295.00 if residential (exclude meals); $250.00 if commuting.  http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/workshops/HSJI/index.html 
  • Jonathan R. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop - Grades 10-12; Dr. Dennis Read, Denison University (central Ohio).  (740) 587-6565;  read@denison.edu  Eight days, residential.  Writing in multiple genres, workshops by professional writers, one-on-one conferences.  tuition: $1,000.00 (financial aid available).  http://www.denison.edu/english/reynolds.html
  • Brown University - SPARK Program - Grades 7 and 8; SPARK has a single goal: identify talented 7th and 8th grade students and give them access to ideas, resources, and tools they need to nurture their academic gifts.  Session A - July 10-17; Session B - July 24-31  www.brown.edu/continuingstudies

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Links for Students and Teachers
The following links and websites are a valuable resource for both students and teachers.  They were compiled in conjunction with C-MITES, the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Talented Elementary and Secondary Students, which services academically talented students in grades K-9.

Click on your choice:
Common Search Engines                                    Search Engines for Kids
Specialty Search Engines                                    Math Websites
Science and Technology Websites                       Language Arts Websites
Social Studies Websites                                      Multi-Subject Websites and Reference Materials
Teacher Websites

Common Search Engines:

Alta Vista: http://www.altavista.com/

Ask Jeeves: http://www.ask.com/

Dogpile: http://www.dogpile.com/

Excite: http://www.excite.com/

Google: http://www.google.com/

Looksmart: http://search.looksmart.com/

Lycos: http://www.lycos.com/

Metacrawler: http://www.metacrawler.com/

Yahoo!: http://www.yahoo.com/

 

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Search Engines for Kids:

Ask Jeeves Kids: http://www.ajkids.com/
Cyber Sleuths Net:
http://cybersleuth-kids.com/

Kids’ Click: http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!/

 Yahooligans!: http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/

 

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Specialty Search Engines:

Alta Vista News (news articles): http://www.altavista.com/news/
Collection of Special Search Engines: http://www.leidenuniv.nl/ub/biv/specials.htm
Google Local (local businesses and services): http://www.google.com/lochp
MagPortal (magazine articles): http://www.magportal.com/
News Directory (newspapers and magazines): http://www.newsdirectory.com/ 
SearchEdu.com (education and government sites): http://www.searchedu.com/
Sports Line (sports): http://www.sportsline.com/info/siteindex
Tutorial Find (tutorials): http://www.tutorialfind.com/tutorials/

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Math Websites

24 Game: http://www.24game.com/
AAA Math (games and practice): http://www.aaamath.com/
Brainteasers: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/brain_teasers.htm
Cool Math: http://www.coolmath.com/
Curious Math: http://www.curiousmath.com/
The Geometry Center: http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/
Highline Advanced Math for Grades 5-7: http://home.blarg.net/~math/
Hoagies’ Math Page: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/math.htm
Interactive Math Activities: http://www.cut-the-knot.org/Curriculum/index.shtml
Math Activities: http://www.madras.fife.sch.uk/maths/activities.html
Math Challenges: http://www.mathschallenge.net
Math Counts (middle school math contest): http://www.mathcounts.org/
Math Forum: http://www.mathforum.org/
Math Games: http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/School_Bell/Math/Games_and_Puzzles/
Math Links for Kids: https://www.cmu.edu/cmites/kids.html#math
Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools: http://www.moems.org/
Multiplication Fact Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/multiplication.htm
POP Mathematics: http://archives.math.utk.edu/popmath.html
The Puzzle Page: http://www.jimloy.com/puzz/puzz.htm
Student Resources: http://www.nku.edu/~mathed/p12sr.html
Tangrams: http://mathforum.org/trscavo/tangrams/construct.html
Teacher Resources: http://www.nku.edu/~mathed/tr.html
Toothpick World (toothpick puzzles): http://www.madras.fife.sch.uk/maths/toothpickworld/
Varnelle Moore’s Primary Math Activities: http://mathforum.org/varnelle/index.html

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 Science and Technology Websites

Answers to Biology Questions: http://askascientist.org
Bats: http://www.camp150.com/bagley3919/hotlistbats.html
Bill Nye the Science Guy: http://www.billnye.com
Challenger Center: http://64.78.10.206/challenger/
Cool Science for Curious Kids: http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/
Computer Programming Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/programming.htm
Dinosaurs: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/index.html
Discovery School: http://school.discovery.com/
Eco Kids: http://ecokids.earthday.ca/pub/index.cfm
Experiments and Activities: http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/Science_and_Nature/Experiments_and_Activities/
Hoagies’ Science Page: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/science.htm
How Stuff Works: http://www.howstuffworks.com/index.htm
Insect Lore: http://www.insectlore.com/
NASA Education Homepage: http://education.nasa.gov/home/index.html
Natural Science Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/natural_science.htm
Physics Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/physics.htm
Science Activities Manual: http://www.utm.edu/departments/ed/cece/SAMK8.shtml
Science Links for Kids: https://www.cmu.edu/cmites/kids.html#science
Science Olympiad: http://www.soinc.org/
Sharks: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/sharks/
Space Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/space.htm
Super Science Fair Projects: http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com/
Virtual Reality Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/virtual_reality.htm
Volcano World: http://www.volcanoworld.org/
Whales: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/whales/
Windows to the Universe: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
The Yuckiest Site on the Internet: http://yucky.kids.discovery.com/

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Language Arts Websites

Alphabet Coloring Pages: http://www.learningplanet.com/parents/alphabet/ 
Book Websites: http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/School_Bell/Language_Arts/Books/
Books and Authors: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/books_authors.htm
Children’s Literature Resources: http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/childlit.htm
Database of Award-winning Children’s Literature: http://www.dawcl.com/
European Myths and Legends: http://www.europeoftales.net/
Favorite Poem Project: http://www.favoritepoem.org/
Giggle Poetry Contest: http://www.gigglepoetry.com/poetrycontest/contests.html
The Grammar Gorillas (game): http://www.funbrain.com/grammar/index.html
Guide to Grammar and Writing: http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ 
Guys Read: http://www.guysread.com/
Kids Reads: http://www.kidsreads.com/
Language Arts Links for Kids: https://www.cmu.edu/cmites/kids.html#languagearts
Language Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/language.htm
Letters about Literature Writing Contest: http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/letters.html
Literary Calendar: http://english.yasuda-u.ac.jp/lc/
Mythology: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/mythology/mythology.html
The Read In: http://www.readin.org/
Spell-a-Roo (spelling game): http://www.funbrain.com/spellroo/
Student Treasures Publishing Company: http://www.studentreasures.com/
Summer Reading Lists: http://www.education-world.com/summer_reading/
Word Games: http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/Computers__Games__and_Online/Online_Games/Word_Games/
The Writing Corner: http://www.writingcorner.com/
Writing Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/writing.htm
Writing Topics: http://thewritesource.com/topics.htm
Young Writer’s Clubhouse: http://www.realkids.com/club.shtml

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 Social Studies Websites

3-D Flags: http://www.3dflags.com/
Africa Focus: http://webcat.library.wisc.edu:3200/AfricaFocus/
Ancient Egypt: http://ms.ahsd.org/egypt.htm
Ben (Franklin)’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
China on the Net: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/China/hotlist.html
Cool Antarctica: http://www.coolantarctica.com/
Economics Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/economics.htm
Geography Links: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/geography.htm
Great Barrier Reef: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/earthpulse/reef/reef1_flash.html
The History Beat: http://history.searchbeat.com/
The History Channel Classroom: http://www.historychannel.com/classroom/classroom.html
History Essentials: http://4learning.co.uk/weblogic/essentials/history/index.shtml
History Mystery (game): http://teacher.scholastic.com/histmyst/index.asp
Hoagies’ Social Studies Page: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/social_studies.htm
Museums in the United States: http://www.museumca.org/usa/types.html
National Geographic Kids: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/index.html
National History Day: http://www.nationalhistoryday.org/
The New York Times Learning Network: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/
The Smithsonian Institution: http://www.si.edu/
Social Studies Links for Kids: https://www.cmu.edu/cmites/kids.html#socialstudies
States Web Games: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm
The Stock Market Game: http://www.smgww.org/
Stone Pages (stone structures in Europe): http://www.stonepages.com/
Time for Kids: http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/
A Walk through Time (ages 7-9): http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/walk/
The White House for Kids: http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/

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 Multiple-Subject Websites and Reference Materials

      Answers to Biology Questions: http://askascientist.org
        Ask an Expert: http://njnie.dl.stevens-tech.edu/askanexpert.html
        The Awesome Library: http://www.awesomelibrary.org/
        CyberKids
(activities): http://www.cyberkids.com/
        Dictionary: http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/
        Encyclopedia: http://www.encyclopedia.com/
        Fact Monster (online reference materials): http://www.factmonster.com/
        Fun Brain (games): http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html
        Hotlists (links to many sites): http://peoria.k12.il.us/merlins_castle/HotlistIndex.html
        Kids’ Web Digital Library: http://www.npac.syr.edu/textbook/newkidsweb/
        Show Me (online U.K. museums): http://www.show.me.uk/
        Thesaurus: http://thesaurus.reference.com/
        Word and Logic Puzzles: http://crpuzzles.com
        Zoom School (elementary school activities): http://www.enchantedlearning.com/school/index.shtml

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Teacher Websites

Blue Ribbon Learning Sites: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/
Busy Teachers’ Website: http://www.ceismc.gatech.edu/busyt/homepg.html
Classroom Central: http://tonybrewer.com/teacher_links.htm
Classroom Management Links: http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
Clip Art Gallery: http://school.discovery.com/clipart/index.html
Education Place: http://www.eduplace.com/
Educational Hotlist: http://www.fi.edu/tfi/hotlists/
Educational Links Page: http://lth3.k12.il.us/rhampton/edlinks.html
Educator’s Reference Desk (resources and lesson plans): http://www.eduref.org/
Education World: http://www.education-world.com/ 
Enchanted Learning: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html
The File Cabinet (activities): http://home.att.net/~teaching/filecab.htm
Fill-in-the-Blank Tools: http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallyusefullist.htm
Forms and Testing Sheets: http://www.mrsperkins.com/testing.htm
Free Stuff for Teachers: http://www.kalama.com/~zimba/freeforteachers.htm
Homepage Builder: http://teacher.scholastic.com/homepagebuilder/index.htm
K-8 Resources: http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/vrschool/elemtry.htm
Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators: http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/
Kid Source (articles): http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/pages/K12.html
The Lesson Factory (lesson plans): http://www.lessonfactory.com/
Lesson Plan Links: http://www.teacherfeatures.com/exitpage/Education.php?term=Lesson+Plans
Lesson Planner: http://school.discovery.com/teachingtools/lessonplanner/index.html
Lesson Plans: http://www.microsoft.com/Education/LessonPlans.aspx
Lesson Plans: http://lessonplanz.com/
Make Crossword Puzzles: http://puzzlemaker.com/
Map Outlines: http://geography.miningco.com/cs/blankoutlinemaps/
Math and Science Resource Page: http://lth3.k12.il.us/rhampton/math-science.html 
Quiz Creator: http://school.discovery.com/quizcenter/quizcenter.html
Rubric Builder: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php
Students Can Learn on Their Own (independent study): http://users.erols.com/interlac/
Substitute Teacher Resources: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/lesson-plans/lesson-6284.html?detoured=1
Teacher-created Websites: http://www.psd150.org/teacherhl.html#primaryhl
Teaching Tips and Rubrics: http://www.teach-nology.com/
Think Tank (research organizers): http://thinktank.4teachers.org/index.php3
Tools and Resources: http://4teachers.org/
Top 101 Websites for Teachers: http://www.assortedstuff.com/top101/
WebQuest Examples: http://sesd.sk.ca/teacherresource/webquest/webquest.htm
The WebQuest Page: http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquest.html
Web Worksheet Wizard: http://wizard.hprtec.org/index.php3
Worksheet Generator: http://school.discovery.com/teachingtools/worksheetgenerator/

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