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<div><b>Oregon Talented and Gifted Teacher Update #4</b></div>
<div><b>January 7, 2009</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center; "><font size="2"><b>Please forward this issue of the update to interested professionals!</b></font></div>
<div style="text-align: center; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" size="2">Teachers may sign up for this or other newsletters at: <a href="http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843</u></font></a></font></div>
<div style="text-align: center; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" size="2">Past issues are also available at this website.</font></div>
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<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>1. Welcome to the TAG Teacher Update</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>2. Legal Reminder of the Month</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>3. Parenting a Dually Exceptional Child</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>4. Identifying TAG Students Who Are Homeless</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>5. It’s Like My Space or Facebook for Gifted Education!</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>6. Free Online College Classes for Advanced Students</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>7. Free Field Trip Idea for Secondary Students</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>8. Best of the Best Enrichment Materials Database</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>9. Free Worksheets and Other Teacher Resources</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>10. College of William and Mary Curriculum Resources</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>11. Divergent Thinking Activity </b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>12. News Article</b><font face="Arial-BoldMT, sans-serif"><b>—</b></font><b>Sixteen Year Old College Graduate</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>13. Portland State University Winter Term Opportunities</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>14. Using Tiered Lessons</b><font face="Arial-BoldMT, sans-serif"><b>—</b></font><b>A DI How-To</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>15. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship for Seventh Graders</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>16. Oregon State Assessments and TAG Students</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>17. Upcoming Opportunities at ODE for Math and Science Teachers</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>18. Organizational Tips for Teachers</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>19. Duke University's Talent Identification Program Instructional Resources</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>20. “Save a Friend. Work Safe.” A Video Contest for High School Students</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>21. National Youth Science Camp Honors Program</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>22. Ten Common Misunderstandings about Differentiation</b></font></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>23. University of Oregon Super Saturday 2009</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>24. Summer Enrichment Program for High School Students at MIT</b></div>
<div><b>25. OATAG Seeking Input About Annual Conference</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>26. Check Out Teacher Updates in Other Content Areas</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>27. How to Submit Articles</b></div>
<div style="padding-left: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt; "><b>28. In Every Issue—Internet Resources</b></div>
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<div><b>1. Welcome to the TAG Teacher Update</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">This newsletter is designed to provide current information concerning teachers of<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>TAG students, guidance counselors, administrators, and coordinators of
TAG programs.<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>Please let your colleagues know they can subscribe to this and other ODE content<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>area newsletters by visiting: <a href="http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843</u></font></a></font></div>
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<div><b>2. Legal Reminder of the Month</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif">581-022-1330-2: The instruction provided to identified [TAG] students shall address their assessed levels of learning and accelerated rates of learning. </font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Documentation of the assessment of rate and level is not explicitly required by OAR, but may be necessary to demonstrate compliance. Redmond School District has an example of a form to use for
this documentation at:</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.redmond.k12.or.us/14541051515300390/lib/14541051515300390/Form_7c_Determination_of_Rate_and_Level_Documentation.docx"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.redmond.k12.or.us/14541051515300390/lib/14541051515300390/Form_7c_Determination_of_Rate_and_Level_Documentation.docx</u></font></a></font></div>
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<div><b>3. Parenting a Dually Exceptional Child</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">Michael Postma is the District Coordinator of High Potential Services for<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>Minnetonka Public Schools located in suburban Minneapolis. Two of Michael's four
children have symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome. Only one has been officially diagnosed. In this well-written article he reflects upon his son’s experiences in education as a dually exceptional child and compares them to his own childhood. Read the article
at: <a href="http://www.sengifted.org/articles_parenting/postma_benny_and_me.pdf"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.sengifted.org/articles_parenting/postma_benny_and_me.pdf</u></font></a><font color="#0000FF">.</font></font></div>
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<div><b>4. Identifying TAG Students Who Are Homeless</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">In Oregon, forty districts receive additional funding from twenty competitive federal homeless education sub-grants. Within those districts, liaisons identified<font face="Arial, sans-serif">
</font>sixty TAG students who were also eligible for services as "homeless" during 2007-08. In</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">most cases, it was the district's homeless liaison who realized, either through reviewing<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>past school records or by observation, that the student should be tested for TAG<font face="Arial, sans-serif">
</font>eligibility.</font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">A total of 8,148 students were identified as homeless by these 40 districts in the<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>school year 2007-08. Also identified within this total were 1,418 unaccompanied
youths<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>(not under parent or guardian supervision), 1,059 Migrant (Title I-C) students, 1,588</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">English Language Learners, and 1,262 children with disabilities under IDEA.<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>For further information contact Dona Bolt at (503) 947-5781 or <font color="#0000FF">dona.bolt@state.or.us</font>.</font></div>
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<div><b>5. It’s Like My Space or Facebook for Gifted Education!</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">Gifted education is not one to be left out of current technological trends. Check<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>out the interactive networking site Gifted Education 2.0 at <a href="http://giftededucation.ning.com/"><font size="2" color="#0000FF"><u>http://giftededucation.ning.com/</u></font></a><font face="Arial, sans-serif" size="2">
</font>Gifted Education 2.0 offers its members a chance to dialogue with individuals around<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>the world about issues in education for gifted learners. Networking groups are already<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>formed
around topics like Creativity and the Gifted, the Middle School Gifted Learner,<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>and Social Emotional Needs. Parents, teachers, and administrators all participate in<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>exchanging information,
ideas, and questions.</font></div>
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<div><b>6. Free Online College Classes for Advanced Students</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">UC Berkeley has several online classes posted for free at<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font><a href="http://webcast.berkeley.edu/"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://webcast.berkeley.edu/</u></font></a>.
Although there doesn’t appear to be a way to earn<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>credit, there is certainly a wealth of expert information to be accessed here for no cost.<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>Subjects and topics include college-level
biology, chemistry, engineering, history,<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>psychology, statistics and others. Some of the classes offer audio only; others offer full<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>video. This might be a great option for a high school
TAG student doing an<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>independent learning project.</font></div>
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<div><b>7. Free Field Trip Idea for Secondary Students</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">Gifted students tend to have deep concern for social issues, and this field trip<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>may prove a valuable experience for them. Medical Teams International’s
REAL. LIFE.<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>Exhibit urges visitors to slow down and explore ways to make this time of year more</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">meaningful. The exhibit includes nine multi-sensory vignettes depicting scenes of<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>disaster, conflict, and poverty from around the world. From war-torn Uganda to tsunami struck East
Asia, sounds, pictures and stories inform visitors that the world is a big<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>place, with big needs—needs best addressed by the global community.<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>“This is a must-see for all Oregonians,
especially middle and high school<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>students,” says Marlene Minor, vice president of communications at the Tigard-based<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>agency.“ The exhibit offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss
issues like poverty,<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>injustice and mercy against a very real and compelling backdrop. Best of all, it provides<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>action steps for anyone who wants to make a difference.” For more information,
visit</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.medicalteams.org/site/News2?abbr=what_&page=NewsArticle&id=8661&se"><u>http://www.medicalteams.org/site/News2?abbr=what_&page=NewsArticle&id=8661&se</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><u>curity=1121&news_iv_ctrl=0</u><font color="#000000">.</font></font></div>
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<div><b>8. Best of the Best Enrichment Materials Database</b></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">Searching for great curricular resources can be very time consuming. The University of Connecticut has helped save time for education professionals by creating a searchable database of reviewed and recommended enrichment
materials. To use this resource, visit <a href="http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/sem/enrichment/typeii_enrichment.cfm"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/sem/enrichment/typeii_enrichment.cfm</u></font></a>.</font></div>
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<div><b>9. Free Worksheets and Other Teacher Resources</b></div>
<div> <font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">At </font><a href="http://www.freeworksheets.com"><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.freeworksheets.com/</u></font></a><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> </font><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">teachers
can access many free worksheets</font><font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">and other resources in all subject areas. Of particular note are templates for vocabulary</font><font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">flash
cards and word walls.</font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>10. College of William and Mary Curriculum Resources</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> The College of William and Mary has curriculum resources posted at <a href="http://cfge.wm.edu/curriculum.htm"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://cfge.wm.edu/curriculum.htm. </u></font></a> Dr. Joyce Van Tassal Baska's
Integrated Curriculum Model for Gifted Learners <font face="Arial, sans-serif">is designed to respond to gifted learners’ characteristics of precocity, intensity, and complexity through its three dimensions of advanced content, higher level processes and product
development, and interdisciplinary concepts, issues, and themes. There are some materials available for purchase, and some that are available for free, posted on the website.</font></font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>11. Divergent Thinking Activity </b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> I wanted to share an activity I have used successfully that can be used in most content areas at most grade levels to promote divergent thinking skills. Provide students with a list of 20-50 words associated with
content you are studying in class. Ask students to group the words into categories and then create a title for the word grouping. Set the requirement that a category must contain at least three words. I find this activity works best when students work with
a partner or two other students. Give extra points to any category created that no one else has on their paper. This is a great review activity toward the end of the unit, but could be used as part of an introduction as well. </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> To further differentiate this activity in a diverse classroom you can create two lists of words. On each list there will be essential words for the content you are studying. However, one list can have more basic
words, and the other can have more complex words. You can also differentiate the more complex list for advanced learners by adding new terms to extend the learning. In this case, you would want to ensure students have access to materials to be able to interpret
this information. If you are interested in using this activity in your particular class situation and need some ideas for how it might work, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:stacey.figgins@state.or.us"><font color="#0000FF"><u>stacey.figgins@state.or.us</u></font></a>
and we can do a quick cyber brainstorm.</font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>12. News Article</b><font face="Arial-BoldMT, sans-serif"><b>—</b></font><b>Sixteen Year Old College Graduate</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> Read the full article about Andrew Brisbin, who began his college career two years ago at the University of Texas when he was fourteen at <a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/12/06/1206utgrad.html"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/12/06//1206utgrad.html.</u></font></a></font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>13. Portland State University Winter Term Opportunities</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> <font color="#000000">PSU will offer three online classes this term related to TAG learners. The first is a course focusing specifically on TAG needs: Talented and Gifted: Working with High Achievers.
For more information go to </font><a href="http://sesweb.ses.pdx.edu/ceed_cat/detail_large.cfm?id=44NT"><u>http://sesweb.ses.pdx.edu/ceed_cat/detail_large.cfm?id=44NT</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> <font color="#000000">Additionally, two classes in differentiation will be offered, Systems for Successful Implementation of Differentiated Instruction and Multiple Ways of Knowing Your Learners. For more
information go to: </font><a href="http://www.ceed.pdx.edu/differentiate"><u>http://www.ceed.pdx.edu/differentiate</u></a></font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>14. Using Tiered Lessons</b><font face="Arial-BoldMT, sans-serif"><b>—</b></font><b>A DI How-To</b></font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Tiered instruction is a means of teaching one concept and meeting the different learning needs in a group. It can be an assignment, lesson, or strategy. Tasks and/or materials vary according to
learning profile, readiness and/or interest. Tiered instruction helps meet individual learner needs, either above or below grade level as each student is challenged at an appropriate level. </font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif">There are 5 major organizational points to tiering instruction:</font></div>
<ol style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; ">
<font face="Arial, sans-serif">
<li style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; ">Choose a concept students should know or understand and whether to tier according to readiness, interest, or learning profile. </li><li style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; ">Assess student's profile, readiness, and interest. </li><li style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; ">Create an activity or project that is clearly focused on the concept. </li><li style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; ">Adjust the activity to provide different levels of difficulty. </li><li style="margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; ">Match students to appropriate tiered assignment. </li></font>
</ol>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif">How do you match the students with the proper activity? There are many different steps one may take to pre-assess, and they will largely depend on the learning objective. State assessment data, lexile scores, and in-class
observations are great starting points. Additionally, a quick pre-quiz related to the specific lesson objectives can usually be helpful. After a tiered instruction activity you can assess learning by using a rubric, test, checklist, contract, self-evaluation,
peer evaluation, conference, or some combination of these. Feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:stacey.figgins@state.or.us"><font color="#0000FF"><u>stacey.figgins@state.or.us</u></font></a> if you would like more information or assistance on using tiered
instruction. <font size="2"><i>(Adapted from Regina Public Schools and Saskatchewan Learning Best Practices Website.)</i></font></font></div>
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<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><i>Examples of Tiered Assignments and Lessons</i></font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.k8accesscenter.org/documents/HO-4TieredActivity.doc"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.k8accesscenter.org/documents/HO-4TieredActivity.doc</u></font></a></font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/documents/15HourDifferentiationModule/Handouts/HO2DinerMenu.doc"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/documents/15HourDifferentiationModule/Handouts/HO2DinerMenu.doc</u></font></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.learnerslink.com/tiered%20assignments%20critical%20questions.htm"><u>Critical Questions about Tiered Lessons</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.21-learn.com/TeamTarget/ProfessionalDevelopment/DI/Tiered%20Assignments%20for%20a%20Study%20of%20Space%20Exploration%201.doc"><u>http://www.21-learn.com/TeamTarget/ProfessionalDevelopment/DI/Tiered%20Assignments%20for%20a%20Study%20of%20Space%20Exploration%201.doc</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/3059"></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/3059">http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/3059</a></u></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><i>Additionally, you can watch a video explaining in more detail how to use tiered assignments at:</i> <a href="http://www.21-learn.com/TeamTarget/ProfessionalDevelopment/DI/index.htm"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.21-learn.com/TeamTarget/ProfessionalDevelopment/DI/index.htm</u></font></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> </font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>15. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship for Seventh Graders</b></font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program supports hundreds of high achieving students with financial need across the United States. Young Scholars receive funding to participate
in academic summer programs, extracurricular lessons, distance learning courses, and other enrichment opportunities. Throughout their time in the program, Scholars work closely with an educational adviser who helps them plan an academic and talent development
path to prepare them to enter top universities. Most Young Scholars receive a college scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">They are looking for 7th graders who value academic excellence, determination,<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>leadership, and public service to apply for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars<font face="Arial, sans-serif">
</font>Program. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need<font face="Arial-BoldMT, sans-serif">—</font>typically, a family</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">income below $60,000. Up to 75 students will be selected across the nation in 2009.<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>Applications become available on the Foundation Web site in January 2009 and are due<font face="Arial, sans-serif">
</font>the last Monday in April. For more information about the Young Scholars Program and<font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font>to see our video, please visit <a href="http://www.jkcf.org"><font color="#0000FF"><u>their website.</u></font></a> If you have
any questions, please contact us</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">at 410-735-6270 or <a href="mailto:mgriffin@jhu.edu"><font color="#0000FF"><u>mgriffin@jhu.edu</u></font></a>.</font></div>
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<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>16. Oregon State Assessments and TAG Students</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> If a TAG student is receiving instruction in math or reading at a higher grade level, a school or district may want to consider using Targeted Assessment to allow the student to take the state assessment at the
level that matches his/her instruction. This would allow for more accurate data of a student's academic growth. There are certain stipulations and requirements for this option. You can read more about Targeted Assessment on pages 24-25 of the 2008-09 Test
Administration Manual which can be found at: <a href="http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/testing/manuals/2009/0809tam.pdf"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/testing/manuals/2009/0809tam.pdf</u></font></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>17. Upcoming Opportunities at ODE for Math and Science Teachers</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> <font color="#000000">This spring I will hopefully be updating the Challenging High-End Learners curriculum to reflect revised math and science standards. I will be looking for math and science
TOSAs and teachers to work on this task as well as write additional lesson plans in math and science. More details will come as they develop, but if you might be interested in participating, please send me an email at </font><a href="mailto:stacey.figgins@state.or.us"><u>stacey.figgins@state.or.us</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>18. Organizational Tips for Teachers</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"> <font color="#000000">Organizing a learning space and materials for 30-200 students can be daunting. Read an article by Cossandra George to learn some specific pieces of organizational advice. </font><a href="http://www.teachermagazine.org/tm/articles/2008/12/03/11tln_george.h20.html?r=12954"><u>Click
here to access the full article. Free registration may be required.</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>19. Duke University's Talent Identification Program Instructional Resources</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> Duke University offers a variety of instructional products for gifted students. Included are entire workbooks, units of study, and courses. These could be used by gifted students who are being homeschooled. They
could also be used by school districts who want to have enrichment curricula ready for students who are ready to work on advanced content. You can find out more at:</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.tip.duke.edu/independent_learning/"><u>http://www.tip.duke.edu/independent_learning/#CD-ROMs</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> </font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>20.</b> <b>“Save a Friend. Work Safe.” A Video Contest for High School Students</b></font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif">In Oregon, approximately 300 workers under 18 years of age receive disabling injuries each year while on the job. Here is an opportunity for students to help bring that number down. Oregon high
school students are invited to compete in a video public service announcement contest on the theme, “Save a friend. Work safe.”<b> </b>Individual students or teams can compete by creating a 30-second video that shows the importance of on the job safety for
young workers. Packets with detailed information,</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif">including rules, entry forms, and promotional materials will be mailed to high school principals early in December, so be sure to check with your principal if you have students who would be interested. In addition to this
information, you can get details</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif">about the contest at <a href="http://www.orosha.org/psacontest/"><font color="#0000FF"><u>www.orosha.org/psacontest/</u></font></a>. Laurelhurst Theater in Portland</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif">will hold a special screening of all the entries for students and their families, and the winning videos may run as public service announcements at other theaters around the state. Several websites will also feature the winning
videos, and winners will receive a cash prize. <b>Deadline for application materials and the final video is February 13, 2009. </b>This contest is sponsored by The Oregon Young Worker Health and Safety Coalition, with members from several state agencies and
private organizations. If you</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif">have questions please contact: Yutonah Bowes at 503-947-7015.</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>21. National Youth Science Camp Honors Program</b></font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="TimesNewRomanPSMT, sans-serif">Encourage your high school seniors to apply for the National Youth Science CampHonors (NYSC) program. Applications to attend the 2009 NYSC are now available online. Two graduating
high school students will be selected to represent Oregon at the all-expenses paid honors program which will be held from July 1 through</font></div>
<div><font face="TimesNewRomanPSMT, sans-serif">July 25, 2009. Scientists who work on some of the most provocative topics in science</font></div>
<div><font face="TimesNewRomanPSMT, sans-serif">today present lectures and hands-on science seminars and linger to interact informally with the student delegates. To apply, please download the application packet and</font></div>
<div><font face="TimesNewRomanPSMT, sans-serif">follow the enclosed instructions. Applications must be received at the Oregon Department of Education no later than January 23, 2009. For more information about the NYSC, please visit their <a href="http://www.nysc.org/index2.html"><font color="#0000FF"><u>website</u></font></a>.
For questions about the application process, please contact <a href="mailto:cheryl.kleckner@state.or.us"><font color="#0000FF"><u>Cheryl Kleckner</u></font></a><font color="#001CFC"> </font>at 503-947-5794. </font></div>
<div><font face="TimesNewRomanPSMT, sans-serif" color="#001CFC"> </font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><b>22. Ten Common Misunderstandings about Differentiation</b></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> <font face="Arial-BoldMT, sans-serif" size="2">(</font><font face="Arial-BoldMT, sans-serif" size="2"><i>Adapted from a presentation "Two Decades of Research on Differentiation: What Do We Know Now," by Catherine
M. Brighton, Ph.D & Tonya R. Moon, Ph.D from the National Research Center on Gifted and Talented at the University of Virginia.)</i></font></font></div>
<div><font size="2"> </font></div>
<div><font size="2"> </font></div>
<table border="1" width="798" style="border:1 solid; border-collapse:collapse; margin-left: -5pt; ">
<col width="399">
<col width="399">
<tr>
<td><b>MISUNDERSTANDING</b></td>
<td><b>REALITY</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Differentiated Instruction (DI) is a set of strategies.</td>
<td>DI is a teaching philosophy based on knowing students and responding to their needs.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DI is group work.</td>
<td>DI uses purposeful flexible grouping. Depending on student need students may work alone, in pairs, as a whole class, or in small groups.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"I already differentiate."</td>
<td>Many teachers use a strategy associated with differentiation reactively but fewer teachers incorporate proactively differentiated classrooms.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Differentiated lessons have to be creative, cute, and fun.</td>
<td>Engaging students is an important part of differentiation, but it is most important that lessons are grounded in rich and rigorous curriculum.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Differentiation is just the next educational fad.</td>
<td>Because differentiation is a philosophy of meeting a broad range of students' needs, only when students cease being different will the need for differentiation disappear.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Providing choice = differentiation</td>
<td>Different activities have to be held together by clear learning goals.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Differentiation isn't fair.</td>
<td>Fair does not always mean "the same." In order for students to reach the same goals, they may need to take different paths to get there.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Differentiation means "dumbing down" the curriculum for less advanced learners.</td>
<td>Differentiation means providing appropriate scaffolding <i>and</i> enriching extensions to help <i>all</i> learners reach common learning goals. It can also mean slight revisions to the goals depending on learner needs.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Differentiation only works when kids are well-behaved.</td>
<td>Creating a responsive classroom can be a great way to improve student behavior. When students' needs are met, the likelihood for off-task behavior should decrease.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Preparing a differentiated lesson takes a huge amount of time.</td>
<td>Creating any high-quality lesson takes time. As with most skills, a little practice helps make DI lesson planning more efficient.</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><b>23. University of Oregon Super Saturday 2009</b></div>
<div> The <font face="Arial, sans-serif">University of Oregon is accepting applications from high-achieving students in grades K-5 who would benefit from the challenges of enrichment classes. Super Saturday 2009 is a six-week series of academic enrichment
classes designed for highly motivated, high achieving children who love to learn. Parent and educator recommendations are necessary for those students who have not previously participated in either Super Saturday or Super Summer Programs. Academic courses
that stimulate and challenge eager learners are offered in science and mathematics, computers, visual and performing arts, creative problem solving, cultures, music, and language arts. Tuition is $84 for one class or $154 for both classes. A one-time application
fee of $25 is required for new applicants. Partial scholarship assistance is available to those who qualify for free or reduced lunch in the public schools, or for those who demonstrate financial need</font><font face="Arial, sans-serif" size="2">.</font></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="Arial, sans-serif">The registration deadline is January 14, 2009. Applications received after this date will be accepted only if space is available. If you have any questions about the program or the information
included here, please contact Jody Barlow at (541) 346-1400 or jcbarlow@uoregon.edu.</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font></div>
<div><b>24. Summer Enrichment Program for High School Students at MIT</b></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif">The Center for Excellence in Education sponsors the Research Science Institute and the USA Biology Olympiad. Annually offered to gifted high school scholars who plan careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,
the Center's cost free programs seek to nurture these young scholars to careers of excellence and leadership to assure future global competitiveness. The Research Science Institute, held each summer at MIT, is a six week summer enrichment program that emphasizes
advanced theory and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, by fostering student internships with leading researchers and scientists. Application deadline is January 16, 2009. <a href="http://www.cee.org/"><font color="#0000FF"><u>Find more
information here</u></font></a>.</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif"> </font></div>
<div><b>25. OATAG Seeking Input About Annual Conference</b></div>
<div> The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted is seeking input about its annual conference. For information about OATAG and a review of the 2008 conference visit <a href="http://www.oatag.org"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.oatag.org. </u></font></a>
</div>
<div>To take the survey visit <a href="http://www.tigersurvey.com/survey.php?survey=8681"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.tigersurvey.com/survey.php?survey=8681</u></font></a>.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><b>26. Check Out Teacher Updates in Other Content Areas</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">There are fabulous Teacher Updates being published monthly in other content</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">areas like foreign language, social studies, and mathematics. You can subscribe to</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">them by visiting: <a href="http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=1843"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843</u></font></a></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> </font></div>
<div><b>27. How to Submit Articles</b></div>
<div style="text-indent: 36pt; "><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">If you would like to submit information for this newsletter, please email</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">publication-ready short articles by the end of the month to <a href="mailto:stacey.figgins@state.or.us"><font color="#0000FF"><u>stacey.figgins@state.or.us</u></font></a>.</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">Please include links and contact information but no attachments.</font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"> </font></div>
<div><b>28. In Every Issue—Internet Resources</b></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>Oregon Department of Education TAG</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?=76"><u>http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=76</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>ERIC - Educational Resources Information Center</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.eric.ed.gov"><u>http://www.eric.ed.gov/</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG)</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.sengifted.org"><u>http://www.sengifted.org/</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>Council for Exceptional Children</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home</u></font></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>National Association for Gifted Children</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.nagc.org"><u>www.nagc.org</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.oatag.org"><u>www.oatag.org</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>REAL - Resources for Educational Achievement and Leadership</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/real/"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/real/</u></font></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>Get Ready Oregon web page: New Oregon Diploma information for the general public</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.getreadyoregon.org"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.getreadyoregon.org</u></font></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>Oregon Diploma web page: Resources and tools for educators</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><a href="http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?=368"><u>http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=368</u></a></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif"><i>Contact the Education Specialist in TAG</i></font></div>
<div><font face="ArialMT, sans-serif">Stacey Figgins, <a href="mailto:stacey.figgins@state.or.us"><font color="#0000FF"><u>stacey.figgins@state.or.us</u></font></a><font color="#0000FF"> </font>(503) 947-5701</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif" size="2"><i>****Disclaimer--The materials contained in the Oregon Talented and Gifted Teacher Update produced by</i></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif" size="2"><i>Oregon Department of Education are drawn from both internal and external sources and inclusion of</i></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif" size="2"><i>external materials does not necessarily indicate Oregon Department of Education endorsement.****</i></font></div>
<div><font face="Arial-ItalicMT, sans-serif" size="2"> </font></div>
<div><font face="Arial, sans-serif" size="2"> </font></div>
</font>
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