Departments

Highly Capable Program

The mission of our highly capable cluster program is to implement strategies, procedures, and support systems which promote the beliefs in the Vision Statement.

Vision Statement

Education for highly capable students envisions a system where students of high academic ability are provided optimal learning opportunities to help them recognize and develop talents and gifts which will make their own lives worthwhile and will assist them in making a maximum contribution to the general welfare of the world.

Goals

To provide an environment that will cultivate and encourage intellectual and creative abilities
To provide students with instruction in the Hartland curriculum, with appropriate enrichment extensions and in-depth study
To develop self-esteem, allowing students to realize and acknowledge their own and others' skills and talents

Student Selection Process

Identification

Students are identified in second grade using several sources of data. This data along with teacher recommendations are used to identify our highly capable students.

Placement

The cluster program allows opportunities for students in grades three through sixth. The major advantage of cluster grouping is that students are grouped with their intellectual peers, and the classroom teacher is able to plan appropriately for that group of students.

Program Description

The curriculum is based on the district's core curriculum objectives, with opportunities for some extensions and emphasis on problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, concept development and process skills.

Elementary

In grades three through sixth, identified students are placed in cluster programs. Students are clustered in a general education classroom. The other students in the class are of mixed abilities.

Secondary

At the secondary level, counselors are available to assist students with planning appropriate and challenging programs. A wide variety of enriching electives, honors, and Advanced Placement courses are offered, as well as extra curricular programs targeting the needs of the highly capable.

Personal Characteristics of Highly Capable Students

Highly capable children are very unique. They have different interests, different personalities and different areas of high ability. However, these children also share certain traits. It is the degree to which they exhibit these traits that sets them apart.

Good problem solving abilities
Extensive vocabulary
Preference for older playmates
Long attention span
Sensitivity
Compassion for others
Perfectionism
Vivid imagination
Self-directed

Advanced mathematical ideas
Insatiable curiosity
Excellent sense of humor
Good memory
Advanced reading level
Fascination with books
Rapid learning ability
Ability with puzzles
High degree of energy

It is important to understand that gifted students have special needs. A partnership between parents, teachers and administrators is encouraged. Without sharing responsibility and developing a deep understanding of these unique children, we will miss a great opportunity. Hartland Schools invites you to join in meeting this challenge.

Hartland Consolidated Schools