2015-2016

Vinland Elementary Highly Capable Service Plan

STUDENT LEARNING PLANS: Highly Capable students at Vinland Elementary are served using a Student Learning Plan to guide differentiation and specific program elements and accommodations. The SLP is reviewed at least annually, typically during parent/teacher fall conferences. The SLP can be reviewed and adjusted throughout the year at the request of the teacher or parent. Grade Level intervention blocks (WIN: What I Need) also provide daily opportunities for further challenge and enrichment.

STAFF TRAINING: Vinland Elementary staffhas received training in Marzano Instructional Frameworks and Professional Learning Communities. Through the framework and PLC process, each grade level sets and monitors student growth goals for subgroups of students, including those identified as highly capable. The school improvement plan reflects these goals as well. Over the past four years, teachers have completed six days of science training, with an emphasis on differentiation, STEM strategies and hands-on/inquiry-based learning. Specific training for the Highly Capable program was provided during a staff meeting on October 1to address differentiation strategies and models. Additionally, Vinland will include professional learning opportunities on differentiation strategies to enhance our support of students already meeting their grade level standards. These opportunities will be provided during staff and building PLC meetings. During the spring of 2015, 17 Vinland teachers participated in a book study on The Differentiated Classroom by Carol Ann Tomlinson.

CONTINUUM OF SERVICES:

SERVICE MODELS / kindergarten / 1st grade / 2nd grade / 3rd grade / 4th grade / 5th grade
Part-time grouping (math and reading) / Students are provided enriched or accelerated content during intervention blocks (What I Need: WIN) or regular classroom time.
Students are placed in guided, leveled groups using STAR data and other formal and informalassessments. This data isregularly monitored during PLC meetings.
Classroom differentiation strategies and resources / A variety of differentiation strategies and resources will be provided to meet the needs of our highly capable students, including:
  1. Math technology: Students have access to IXL, Xtra Mathor MX Think Central at school and at home
  2. Math Expressions resources: Challenge Easel and Differentiated Instruction Cards, writing prompts, performance assessments, digital resources.
  3. Reading: Students have access to RAZ kidsat school and at home, and leveled readers and chapter books at school.
  4. Rich tasks and Released SBAC performance tasks
  5. Other strategies such as curriculum compacting, flexible pacing, tiered assignments, problem-based learning, differentiated vocabulary and spelling assignments, advanced writing projects, and math challenge activities (including Problem Solver lessons).

Grade Level Strategies / KG
Writing, math, and reading centers and workshop format; leveed reading groups / 1st
Leveled reading Groups / 2nd
Leveled reading groups, RAZ Kids, IXL math, Accelerated Reader, Xtra Math / 3rd
RAZ Kids, IXL math, leveled centers, math challenge groups. / 4th
Leveled reading groups, small pull-out groups / 5th
Literature circles
Spanish Reading
Above-grade math materials; math enrichment groups during WIN; skill-based groupings.
Advanced subject placement / Through assessments and input from Grade Level teams, our Instructional Support TOSA and the principal, students may join other grade levels for reading and math.
Acceleration (advanced grade placement) / After formal assessment and upon parent or teacher request, individual students may be considered for accelerationto the next grade level. Vinland’s Student Support Team will considerfactors cited in NK Board policy and procedures before making a final determination about acceleration.