BELIEF STATEMENTS

 A. We believe that the unique characteristics of      gifted children may include:

• High Cognitive Ability
• High Academic Performance
• High Creativity
•  Sensitivity
•  Leadership Ability
•   High Self-motivation
•  Visual and Performing Arts Ability

C.    We believe in the uniqueness of individuals and in our responsibility to help others (parents, teachers, and students) to be more accepting of unique human differences and abilities.

D.    We believe in the importance of support and encouragement from the total learning community for programs and strategies designed to meet the specific needs of the high ability learner.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Children, emerging adolescents, and young adults who are academically talented are a unique population. They differ from their age peers in abilities, interests, and sensitivities. In order to excel and achieve their potential, academically talented youth require different and diverse experiences to meet their educational needs.

The aim of Project Connection is to provide accelerated and enriched opportunities that replace, supplement, or extend learning beyond the standard curriculum and that incorporate different modes of instruction. These opportunities will encourage and develop creative and critical thinking, provide practice in problem formation and solution, develop responsibility to self and others, and enhance the appreciation of life-long learning.

PROJECT CONNECTION

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

Cluster Grouping
      Grades 3-5, All Elementary Buildings

Discovery Unit
      Grades 3 at Emerson Elementary

      Grades 4/5, 1 Class Each
          Grant, Lincoln & Emerson Elementaries

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Energy Unit   
       Garfield & Harding Middle Schools, Grades 6-8

HIGH SCHOOL
Gifted program
Connection Center Services
AP and Advanced Classes, Grades 9-12

CLUSTER GROUPING – ELEMENTARY LEVEL

Students accepted into the Cluster Unit attend school at their home school. Cluster grouping in grades 2-5 is provided at all ten elementary buildings.

Identified highly able students are grouped together in one classroom. The remainder of the classroom is comprised of students of mixed abilities and needs. 

DISCOVERY UNIT – ELEMENTARY LEVEL

Students accepted into the Discovery Unit attend classes at one of three magnet centers, Grant, Lincoln, or Emerson Elementary Schools. 

Discovery, an all day self-contained class, is committed to offering an organized differentiated program for academically able youngsters. Teachers compact (teach in a shorter period of time) the Lakewood adaptable program for all students and then provide diverse instruction suitable for individual student needs and abilities. Students often explore topics in greater depth than can be provided for in the normal learning environment. Youngsters may proceed through concepts at a faster rate than their chronological peers, or even pursue new ideas and topics not presented in other classes.

Emphasis is placed on problem finding and problem solving, logic, creative and critical thinking, cooperative as well as independent study, and time management and study habits. The educational setting allows students a full range of expression, which results, in continued academic competence, creative production, independence and resourcefulness, increased social awareness and responsibility to self and to others. 

Mainstreaming students into music and physical education classes made up of students with varying academic abilities fosters social awareness and responsibility. Students frequently develop and carry out projects designed to help other students in the school community. 

ENERGY UNIT – MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL

Students from the Discovery and Cluster classrooms come together at the middle school level. Garfield and Harding Middle Schools serve of all sixth, seventh and eighth grade identified academically gifted students in self-contained classrooms for all core subjects.

These classes are advanced and enriched beyond grade level. Mathematically able students are able to complete geometry by the end of eighth grade. Students are heterogeneously grouped for exploratory and special subjects.

CONNECTION CENTER – HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL 

Lakewood High School provides many advanced placement classes, and with the consent of parents and teachers, students may pursue this sequence throughout high school. Those students identified for Project Connection in elementary or middle school as well as students enrolled in AP or advanced classes are eligible for services through the Connection Center. An advisor, for academically able students, works from the Connection Center to provide support services for students, staff, and parents. The advisor assists staff in meeting individual student needs as well as promoting scholastic contests, making contracts for independent study, planning special events, and helping with college applications.