Elementary Services
The New Prague Area School District is proud to provide all students with opportunities for appropriate academic challenge throughout district-wide differentiation initiative. Identified Gifted, Talented, and High Achieving elementary students are additionally clustered together within a heterogeneous (mixed ability classroom) lead by a teacher specially trained to meet their unique needs. Clustering identified students allows for student interaction with both similar age and ability peers throughout the school day. Our district uses FAST, common formative assessments, Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment, CogAT, and teacher observation when identifying students for this cluster. Gifted, Talented and High Achieving middle and high school students have additional opportunities to enroll in higher level classes designed to meet their needs.
Cluster Grouping
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Identification is used for placement purposes only. No. Identification is used for placement purposes only. No. Identification is used for placement purposes only and is fluid meaning that teachers look at current data each year to identify students. The teachers will take into consideration all that they know about the student including assessment data, work habits, and classroom observation. Assessment data is only used to include students, not exclude. For example: If a teacher's observation indicates a student should be identified, but the student's assessment data does not correlate, a student will still be identified. Conversely, if a student's assessment data indicates a student should be identified, but teacher observation does not correlate, a student will still be identified. Yes. This will enable the receiving teacher to best meet the needs of your student. Your child’s current grade level teachers will work to identify Gifted, Talented and High Achieving students. These students will be clustered in one or two rooms with a teacher specially trained to meet their unique needs. Educational concerns and requests should be emailed to the building principal.Will my child know his/her identification?
Will I be told my child's identification?
Will the identification be in my child's permanent record?
How will teachers identify students?
Will the receiving teacher know if my child is identified?
How will the classes be arranged?
Will sibling/teacher requests be honored?
What does research say?
For more information contact:
Kate Kienow
Talent Development Facilitator
Phone: 952-758-1748
Email: kkienow@isd721.org