"Let's H.E.A.T. it up!"

This is the first year that I don't have to fight Cal to go to school

It has been a real struggle since preschool. Finally, he is

getting work that interests him. He is in a special reading group

that independently reads middle school level, realistic fiction.
Our 5th grade also has a strong science curriculum. The boys
and girls are separated for math. All boys in one class and
all girls in another. Studies show boys and girls learn math
differently at this age and they are encouraged to
chew gum

 My Callahan is a gifted 10 year old
 and has an IQ in the "very Superior" range
of 130-140 which makes up only 2.2% of the population.
Only 0.1% of people possess an IQ of 141 or higher.
Online tests don't count!
I know everyone thinks their IQ is 146
Sorry guys, I'd like to think mine is too

I am very proud of Cal's ISAT scores, especially
since he had some personal struggles last year

Callahan has been in our schools gifted program since

he was identified as gifted in 2 grade. He are pulled out of
class 3x a week and is respondsible for making up
all missing classwork on his own. Project Expand is in addition to,
not in place of his differentiated curriculum 

Block 1 of Project Expand just started last week.

The unit of study is "Lets H.E.A.T. it up!

"Helping Endangered And Threatened Species"

The DuPage county Forest Preserve has asked the kids to

research and create a plan to ensure these
 endangered species do not become extinct.
 It's all about observation, critical thinking and

teamwork. Block 3 of last year, the kids had to
 create their own website "alternative Energy sources"
 Cal had Nuclear Power.

While the development of critical thinking skills is vital for all young people
 it is especially important for gifted students.
to evaluate information and opinions in 
a systematic, purposeful, efficient manner

1. solve complex real world problems
2. generate multiple (or creative) solutions to a problem
3. draw inferences
4. synthesize and integrate information
5. distinguish between fact and opinion
6. predict potential outcomes
7. evaluate the quality of one's own thinking

The incorporation of critical thinking skills is often what

 determines the more complex process when

 teachers differentiate curriculum for gifted students.

I am very thankful that our school system has the funds for this

program, these are very special kids that are often

overlooked. These kids need special attention too

so they can reach their full potential.

I am very proud of all my boys as they each have their

own strengths and gifts. I, like all parents will move

mountains to help my children be the best that they can be