K-5 Advanced Learning Advisory Committee

Purpose(s):

• Review and clearly articulate goals and priorities of the Highly Capable Learners’ Program ( HCLP)
• Identify and advocate for under-represented groups
• Increase awareness of the characteristics and needs of our HCLP students
• Evaluate current model and make recommendations to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for improvements

Committee Type:

• Ad Hoc Committee: Approved by the Superintendent to advise administrative staff on certain issues. It dissolves when the specific work is completed
  Basis for Establishment:
• Feedback from staff and families gathered during the Superintendent’s Entry Plan process regarding the need to provide more options and challenges for advanced learners
  Decision Making:
• Consultative to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction by committee members using the processes of consensus and input/feedback

Plan of Work:

• Survey current status of the HCL Program
• Research/site visit program models of similar size school districts in Washington State
• Review the districts practices for child referral, identification, evaluation and service delivery
• Become knowledgeable about research and best practices in gifted education
• Develop a Professional Development plan that supports K-5 teachers in meeting the needs of their advanced students

Committee Members:

• Nancy Smith, K-5 HCL Program TOSA
• Missy Ferguson, Lowell Elementary Principal
• Karen Tolliver, Happy Valley Elementary Principal
• Jeff Hilburn, 5th grade teacher- Lowell Elementary
• Lisabeth Chalmers, Title 1 teacher
• Jeannie Dodd, Counselor-Alderwood Elementary
• Sarah Fairchild, 3rd grade teacher- Roosevelt Elementary
• Denise Binderup, 3rd grade teacher- Wade King Elementary

Responsibilities of Committee Members:

• Regular meeting attendance
• Communicate the content of the meetings and gather input from school staff as requested by the committee
• Respectful and collaborative interactions with committee members

Communications:

• Communicate the purpose of the committee to district staff and families
• Committee members serve as key communicators for the groups they represent
• Post pertinent information on the district website to keep families informed
• Use regular and ongoing surveys to communicate information and gather input from staff and families
• Use district communication process to inform stakeholders of committee outcomes

Specific Meeting Schedule:

• November 1st, Happy Valley
• January 17th, Happy Valley
• Remaining dates TBD.

Committee Budget Implications:

Support for staff to meet, including release time, printing, etc.