• GEP Program Goals

    Independent Study

    • To improve the ability to think and act independently.
    • To develop research skills involving the compilation, evaluation, and presentation of data.
    • To identify and analyze a problem and evaluate implementation of possible solutions.
    • To organize and arrange time and activities to the best advantage.

    Critical Thinking

    • To develop and expand the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.
    • To identify the parts of an idea as well as recognize the relationships and organization of those parts.
    • To arrange and combine elements in order to form a whole not previously evident.
    • To assess the value of an idea or concept as related to its stated purpose.

     

    Creativity

    • To use materials, ideas, and words in ways that demonstrate fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration.
    • To develop the ability to generate a wide variety of ideas and consider the information from different perspectives.
    • To produce new and unique ideas.
    • To embellish or add detail to ideas or products.

     

    Communication

    • To improve verbal, non-verbal, interpretive, interpersonal, and listening skills
    • To transmit ideas through the spoken and written word.
    • To comprehend relayed information.
    • To develop ability to interact effectively with individuals.

     

    Motivational Development

    • To develop the initiative to seek out intellectual challenges.
    • To encourage curiosity, imagination and risk-taking

  • SAMPLE UNITS

    UNIT TITLE

    Essential Understandings

    Technology

    Tech, Tech Everywhere....

    What are we to think?

     

     "We are drowning in information but starving for knowledge"

     

       "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. - Alvin Toffler"

     

    Technological advancement has been a human endeavor throughout history.

    • Technology is ever changing.
      • Technology reflects a society’s level of knowledge.
    • Technology can be used for collecting, organizing, creating, and presenting information.
    • Technology is neutral; its use, however, has positive and/or negative consequences.

    Scientific understanding and technological developments affect people’s lives, impact the environment and transform societies.

      • An individual’s ability to make use of current technology affects their quality of life
    • Technological advancement changes career demands (job expectations).
    • New technologies result in broader social change.
    • Progress is defined by cultural interpretation.

    Creative Problem Solving & Critical Thinking


    “Way? No Way! - We need a better way”
    • Problem Solving (Critical Thinking) requires recognizing purpose and responding to it.
    • Problem Solving (Critical Thinking) confronts the “unknown”.
    • Problem Solving (Critical Thinking) may result in new findings or confirmation of old findings.
    • Problem Solving (Critical Thinking) requires analyzing and critiquing performance of ideas and attempts.

    Utopia vs Dystopia


    Novel Study

    “The Giver”
    • Freedom of choice gives meaning to life.
    • Governments are given the ability to control and/or limit freedom/individual rights to benefit the society.

    o Freedom/individual rights should be protected.

    • Emotions and memories are essential traits of being human.

  • Alabama State Department of Education Summary of  Standards and Student Outcomes for Gifted Education

    • Metacognition
        1. Abstract Thinking
        2. Reflective Thinking
    • Critical Thinking
        1. Analyze
        2. Evaluate
    • Creative Thinking
        1. Fluency
        2. Flexibility
        3. Originality
        4. Elaboration
        5. Synthesis
    • Problem Solving
        1. Divergent Thinking Skills
        2. Convergent Thinking Skills
    • Communication and Creative Expression
        1. Oral
        2. Written
        3. Nonverbal (including artistic and kinesthetic)
    • Information Literacy: Research
        1. Identify a topic and formulate questions for research
        2. Select and apply a research methodology appropriate for the topic
        3. Collect information from primary and secondary sources using print and electronic media
        4. Assess the validity, reliability, and relevance of the information collected
        5. Organize and integrate information/data
        6. Synthesize and interpret information
        7. Develop conclusions and implications based on the problem
        8. Demonstrate the ability to communicate research findings
      1. Information Literacy: Technology
        1. Technology Use
        2. Software
        3. Project Development
        4. Web Site Creation
        5. Computer Programming
    • Social-Emotional
        1. Cope with inner feelings to evaluate the social, emotional, and academic implications of giftedness
        2. Cope with perfectionism, goal setting, emotional intensity, anxiety, and stress
        3. Develop self-acceptance.
        4. Demonstrate and evaluate responsibility for personal growth
        5. Enhance relationships with others
        6. Demonstrate an awareness of cultural diversity
    • Autonomous Learner
        1. Demonstrate independent learning
        2. Monitor and evaluate learning
        3. Increase intrinsic motivation
        4. Take academic risks
        5. Demonstrate personal flexibility
        6. Grow from constructive criticism
        7. Exhibit professional or business ethical behavior (character education)
    • Executive Skills
      1. Organizational Skills
      2. Decision-Making Skills
      3. Impulse Control
      4. Project Management
      5. Time Management
      6. Adaptability
      7. Goal-Setting
      8. Collaboration