High Ability

Click to review the High Ability Handbook.

Please click a title below for more information on the high ability topic:

Helpful Websites

Books/Resources

Booklists

Local Psychologists

  • Edward Amend, Psy.D, Amend Psychological Services, Lexington - Phone: (859) 269-6465, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Suzanne M. James, Psy.D, 305 Artillery Park Drive Suite 102, Fort Mitchell, KY  41017  Phone:  859-426-0200 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Local Programs for Gifted Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What are Junior Great Books?
A:  Books that combine reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and collaborative discussion. They are used in High Ability Cluster classrooms as an enrichment in Language Arts.  http://www.greatbooks.org/programs-for-all-ages/junior.html

Q:  What are CML and IML?
A:  Continental Math League - CML experiences are designed to both maximize student opportunites to participate and to improve their problem solving capabilities. Both mathematical skills and reading skills are improved for students participating at all levels.
Indiana Math League - Every contest has questions from different areas of mathematics.  The goal is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems. Many students first develop an interest in mathematics through problem-solving activities such as these contests.

Q:  What data is used for identification?
A:  A multifaceted assessment plan is utilized to identify students who require gifted services. Students are given the Otis Lennon School Ability Test 8 (OLSAT 8) or CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) as part of the identification process. (Testing years are in transition due to grade levels added to elementary and middle school buildings. See Transition of years in Appendix M of the 2016 Handbook.) Other achievement data is gathered to be considered as part of the identification process. (See Appendix F of the Gifted Services handbook for a list of measures used at each grade level.)

Q:  What is an appeal?
A:  Teachers, administrators, and/or parents may appeal on behalf of a student not placed for gifted services.  Additional testing will be provided if it is warranted.  The appeal should be accompanied by any additional information that the stakeholder feels should be considered in make a decision regarding the student's placement. (See Appendix H of the High Ability Services Handbook for an appeal request form.)

Q:  What is classroom cluster grouping?
A:  Sunman-Dearborn utilizes a schoolwide cluster grouping model in grades 1-5.  Identified High Ability students are grouped together in classrooms along with other students grouped by their achievement levels.  Classroom compositions are carefully structured with two main goals:1) to ensure a balance of abilities throughout the grade level and 2) to reduce the learning range in every classroom.  All classes in the grade level have students with a range of learning abilities and levels.

Q:  What is differentiation?
A:  Differentiation is an approach to teaching that provides different ways to acquire content, to process, and to develop products so that each student can learn effectively.   It is an approach that meet the needs of all learners in the classroom.  Students are not all typically working on the same content, at the same pace or with the same group in a differentiated classroom.  Grouping should be fluid. It can also be based on readiness, ability, achievement, interests and learning preferences.

Print Email

 
    • Admin. Office

      Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools
      1 Trojan Place, Suite B
      St. Leon, IN 47012

      Tel: 812-623-2291
      Fax: 812-623-3341
      Dr. Andrew Jackson, Superintendent

      High School

      East Central High School
      1 Trojan Place, Suite A
      St. Leon, IN 47012

      Tel: 812-576-4811
      Fax: 812-576-2047
      Tom Black, Principal

      Middle School

      East Central Middle School
      8356 Schuman Road
      St. Leon, IN 47012

      Tel: 812-576-3500
      Fax: 812-576-3506
      Chad Swinney, Principal

    • Elementary Schools

      Bright Elementary
      22593 Stateline Road
      Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

      Tel: 812-637-4600
      Fax: 812-637-4606
      Michael Collier, Principal

      North Dearborn Elementary
      27650 Sawmill Road
      West Harrison, IN 47060

      Tel: 812-576-1900
      Fax: 812-576-1901
      Jeff Bond, Principal

      Sunman Elementary
      925 North Meridian St.
      Sunman, IN  47041

      Tel: 812-623-2235
      Toll Free:  888-645-5717
      Fax:  812-623-4330
      Pamela Dixon, Principal
  • Location