Horizons Program Description

The Camden Rockport Elementary School’s Horizons program aims to serve two distinct upper elementary school populations (grades 3 and 4), those specifically identified as gifted and talented and those who are well-above grade level. There are screening and identification processes for both populations that are described in a separate document. The majority of CRES Horizons programs and course offerings address the needs of both groups simultaneously, although there are further opportunities available to identified G/T students. To identify intellectually gifted children we use the state criteria of 3% - 5% of the school population as a guide. We do not offer specific Horizons programming in grades K – 2.

Gifted & Talented services at the Camden-Rockport Elementary School are designed to provide small group or individual learning experiences based upon the needs and characteristics of identified students. The goal is to help students access a variety of appropriate learning opportunities available to them throughout their school day. Program options may include pullout groups; grade based acceleration; subject acceleration; advanced classes, independent study; and differentiation and instructional grouping within the regular classroom. Although we do not offer differentiated programming to students in the primary grades, we will provide appropriate services to students who are highly or profoundly gifted in those grades.

Opportunities for upper elementary students who are well-above grade level at CRES are outlined here and described in further detail below:

Math

• Accelerated course work (typically G/T only)
• Subject specific grade level advancement (typically G/T only)
• Math/Science Extension Classes (Gr. 3 and 4)
• Differentiated Classroom support

Reading

• Reading Extension Classes (Gr. 3 and 4)
• Differentiated classroom support

Science

• Math/Science Extension Classes (Gr. 3 and 4)

Art/Music

• Enrichment Opportunities
• Individual Consultation (Gr. 3 and 4 G/T only)

I. MATHEMATICS

A. Opportunities for high ability math students (not limited to G/T)

• Math/Science Extension Class – An integrated math and science “extension” class is offered in grades 3 and 4 as a supplement to the regular curriculum for students who show a strong aptitude in these areas. 

• Differentiated Classroom Support – The CRES Horizons teacher works with classroom teachers in grades 3 and 4 to help differentiate instructional material, provide challenge materials, and at times offer in-class support.

B. Opportunities for students identified as Gifted and Talented in Math

• Grade Level Advancement –If a student, identified as G/T, is more than a year above grade level in Math, we would consider advancing the student to the next grade level in that subject only.  

• Accelerated Coursework – If a student, identified as G/T, is more than two years beyond grade level peers in math, we would set up an independent study course that focused on material to meet the particular student’s needs.

II. READING

A. Opportunities for high ability reading students (not limited to G/T)

• Reading Extension Class – A reading “extension” class in offered in grades 3 and 4 as a supplement to the regular Language Arts class for students who show strong aptitude in Reading. The extension class provides an opportunity to deepen their comprehension and analysis of text.
• Differentiated Classroom Support – The CRES Horizons teacher works with classroom teachers in grades 3 and 4 to help differentiate instructional material, provide challenge materials, and at times offer in-class support.

III. SCIENCE

A. Opportunities for high ability students (not limited to G/T)

• Math/Science Extension Class – An integrated math and science “extension” class in offered in grades 3 and 4 as a supplement to the regular curriculum for students who show a strong aptitude in those areas.

IV. ART/MUSIC

ART

A. Extended Opportunities for artists of all abilities

• Guest Artist Residencies – All fourth grade students the opportunity to immerse themselves in an art project while working with a professional in the field. The residency occurs once a year and is held during art class over a two week period. 

• Art Museum Field Trip - All third grade students take a trip to the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland.

B. Opportunities for students identified as Gifted and Talented in Art

• Extension Opportunities –The CRES Art teacher provides opportunities for gifted students to go beyond routine assignments and work at a higher level where appropriate.

• Consultation – The CRES Art teacher also consults with individual students on additional opportunities that may be available at school or in the community (private art instruction)

MUSIC

A. Extended Opportunities for musicians of all abilities

• Guest Artist Residencies – These residencies offer all students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a music project while working with a professional in the field. Residencies typically occur at least once a year and can be spread up to 2 weeks in duration.

• School Song Shares - All students have the opportunity to perform a variety of repertoire by grade level for their peers and families at song shares twice a year.

B. Opportunities for students identified as Gifted and Talented in Music

• Extension Opportunities –The CRES Music teacher provides opportunities for gifted students to go beyond routine assignments and work at a higher level where appropriate.

• Consultation – The CRES Music teacher also consults with individual students on additional opportunities that may be available at school or in the community (e.g. Odeon Youth Orchestra)

Grade K – 2

Although we do not offer direct programming for students in the primary grades, the Horizons teacher may be available on a limited basis to consult, team teach, and serve as a resource for primary grade teachers to help them differentiate their instruction as needed.