Gifted Education (ALERT)
Nixa Public Schools Gifted Program: ALERT
The Nixa Public Schools Gifted Program, ALERT (Active Learning Experiences in Research and Thinking), serves academically gifted students kindergarten through 12th grade who possess extraordinary abilities to think creatively and critically.
The goals of the program is to identify academically gifted students and provide a multi-tiered system of support that addresses the academic and social emotional needs of gifted learners. The Nixa Public Schools Gifted Program will
- provide a learning environment that will develop critical thinking, creativity, and reasoning abilities, as well as decision making, and communication skills.
- provide opportunities for gifted students to become more independent and self-directed learners.
- provide opportunities for gifted learners to participate in challenging learning experiences that are not included in the regular classroom curriculum.
- address the social emotional needs of gifted learners by providing opportunities for growth as well as recognizing and responding to the strengths and needs of themselves and others.
- provide opportunities for gifted students to collaborate and challenge other students with similar skills and talents.
If you have questions about the Nixa Public Schools Gifted Program, please contact Dr. Paula Macy at paulamacy@nixaschools.net or 417-724-6617.
Staff
Gifted Coordinator/Junior High and High School
Dr. Paula Macy 417-724-6617
Email: paulamacy@nixaschools.net
Phone: 417-724-6617
K-2nd Grade
Rebecca Mason
Email: rebeccamason@nixaschools.net
3rd-4th Grade
Josie Gregory
Email: josiegregory@nixaschools.net
5th-6th Grade
Erin Neal
Email: erinneal@nixaschools.net
Mission and Vision Statements
Mission Statement
The mission of the Nixa Public Schools Gifted Program is to provide a learning community that maximizes the potential of gifted students with unique cognitive, social, and emotional needs through highly challenging curriculum and specialized instruction that enable students to contribute to the demands of an ever-changing society.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be an exemplary gifted program, to advocate for, to inspire, and meet the needs of all students in the Nixa Public Schools Gifted Program.
Referral Process
Teachers, parents, and other interested people who are in a position to observe the daily behavior of children and would like to refer a child to the gifted program are asked to complete a checklist designed to identify children who display characteristics common to gifted students.
Screening for ALERT takes place twice a year and is as follows.
Kindergarten, 5th, and 6th grades are screened in the fall beginning in October.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades are screened in the winter/spring beginning in February.
*Any kindergarten, 5th or 6th grade student not screened in fall may be referred during this time as well.
If you would like to make a referral or have questions about the referral process, please email paulamacy@nixaschools.net or call 417-724-6617.
Instructional Delivery
The district provides the following services for students in gifted program:
Kindergarten - One full day per week in a gifted resource room, beginning second semester
Grades 1-6 - One full day per week in a gifted resource room
Grades 7-8 - Meets with gifted certified teacher at least once a week during Advisory, participates in online discussions and activities throughout the week, pull out ½ day per quarter
Grades 9 - 12 - Gifted Resource Model
In a Gifted Resource Room, students are encouraged to reach their full potential as both students and members of society by participating in units that target the following areas:
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Cognitive education - academic units that allow students to explore topics not covered in the regular curriculum while enhancing and expanding students’ mastery of specific grade level expectations
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Affective education - self-knowledge and life skills
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Critical and creative thinking skills - often involving application of these skills to content knowledge gained in academic units
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Problem solving - mathematical, spatial, practical, social
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Communication skills - oral and written
The Gifted Resource Teacher (GRT) model avoids conflicts with other classes students wish to take. In the GRT model, the certified teacher of gifted education works with students in a resource capacity on a highly flexible schedule that does not require any minimum contact minutes per week. However, the district must allow a minimum of 150 minutes of the GRT’s instructional time per week to be spent exclusively with identified gifted students, grades 9-12.
- When does screening take place?
- Who can refer a student for gifted screening?
- What is the policy for students who transfer from a different district?
- What is the policy for students who reside in the district but do not attend Nixa Public Schools?