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Specialty ProgramsQUEST (Highly Capable Program)Highly capable children and youth perform or show potential to perform at remarkably high levels of accomplishments in one or more of the following areas:
Highly capable students require a higher level of rigor, depth, breadth, or acceleration beyond the basic programs provided by the schools. Outstanding talents are present in children and youth from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Clustering Potential Classrooms: Grade 2Clustering Potential Classrooms are available at each neighborhood school for students in second grade. Clustering Potential Classrooms are designed to recognize and nurture outstanding potential in young students. Research-based curriculum and strategies are used to develop knowledge, skills, and other behaviors that are indicative of giftedness. QUEST Regional Program, Grades 3-6Highly capable students in grades 3-6 find their unique learning needs addressed in regional classrooms located at one of eight host schools situated throughout the district. Specialized instruction and curriculum are designed to promote higher-level thinking and provide a variety of learning experiences to challenge students. Students gain a deep understanding of content and strengthen basic skills in a full-time, highly capable environment. Intellectual peers provide social interaction and motivation to excel. Multiple criteria are used to determine eligibility in the QUEST Regional Program. The program uses assessment instruments to measure ability and achievement. Parent and teacher observation scales are used to document exceptional creativity. Additional data from state and district assessments are also considered. Applications for the QUEST Regional Program must be completed before testing can take place. QUEST referrals and testing datesStaff, parents, students, and community members can make student referrals to QUEST. Parents, students, and community members may download the Highly Capable Learners Application and Permission for Testing (pdf, 220kb). Staff may download the Teacher Evaluation (pdf, 46kb). These forms are also available at all elementary schools and online at the QUEST SWIFT TeacherWeb site. Students interested in placement in this program are administered ability and achievement tests at Maplewood Elementary. Completed applications must be on file in the QUEST office before testing takes place. Interested students are being tested on the following dates:
Testing for QUEST can also be done throughout the year and placement is contingent upon available space in the classroom. However, testing done at this time of the year informs administrators as they develop classroom rosters for the coming fall. Students tested by February 9, 2010 have the best chance for consideration for placement in the QUEST program this fall. Interested parents are urged to submit the Highly Capable Learners Application and Permission for Testing (pdf, 220kb) by February 1, 2010. For more informationParents and students interested in learning more are invited to attend an Open House from 6–7 pm on Tuesday, January 26 at Shaw Road Elementary or 3:30–4:30 pm on Thursday, January 28 at Maplewood Elementary. For detailed information, including calendar, curriculum, testing, and resources, go to the QUEST Web site. Nancy R. Velazquez, QUEST Program Coordinator Updated 1/25/10 |
