The Discover Program
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The Discover program is offered at each elementary school for students in grades three through five. Discover provides direct instruction for identified gifted learners using award-winning curriculum from the College of William & Mary. The gifted specialist works with Discover students 90 – 120 minutes each week.
Discover is based on the Integrated Curriculum Model developed at the College of William and Mary. Curriculum is designed to respond to gifted learners’ characteristics of precocity, intensity, and complexity through its three dimensions of advanced content, higher level processes, and interdisciplinary concepts.
The Discover seminars have been selected to complement and extend the regular classroom curriculum.
Discover Seminars Descriptions
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Grade 3
Creative Problem Solving for Engineers
Working in teams, students learn to use both creative and critical skills to solve real-world problems. Students learn about and practice fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration in creative thought. Beyond the creative thinking process, students develop their critical thinking skills to evaluate ideas. This unit also explores how inventors and engineers use creative and critical thinking skills in their work using the Engineering Design Process. From the initial brainstorming phase to evaluating solutions and developing an action plan, students in this unit work together to solve everyday problems in new ways.
Systems of Civilization
This social studies unit is designed around the idea that human civilizations develop and sustain themselves as a collection of interdependent systems. Systems of language, leadership, economics, numeracy and architecture are examined in the historical context of Ancient Egypt and in the more immediate context of students’ own community. Activities of the unit engage students in critical thinking and discussion about the systems of civilization. Throughout the unit, students are introduced to graphic organizers that develop critical thinking and writing skills. These organizers will be used throughout the Discover experience.
Novel Study
Students read and reflect upon the novel Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. Using a Socratic Seminar discussion approach, students consider different themes, connections, and symbols in this historical fiction book.
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Grade 4
Literary Reflections
This unit integrates literature, writing, language study, inquiry discussion and oral communication. The core of this unit involves students interacting with advanced literature while enhancing reading comprehension and textual analysis skills. Central to the unit is student reflection of theme and symbolism within the text, as well as developing inference skills based on supporting evidence. Literature selections include short works by Hughes, Tolstoy, Singer and Dickinson. Students explore the concept of change throughout the unit.
Novel Study
Students read and reflect upon the novel Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. Using a Socratic Seminar discussion approach, students consider different themes, connections, and symbols in this historical fiction book.
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Grade 5
Confrontation Simulations: History With a Twist
This engaging unit offers students the opportunity to explore historical conflicts first hand. Students participate in an historical simulation of the Revolutionary War time period. By taking on the roles of some of the characters in this conflict, students learn that there are always multiple perspectives to each situation. As each simulation culminates, a group of students works together to find a non-violent solution that will satisfy as many people as possible. Student activities include role-playing, debate, conflict resolution and creative problem solving. Students also read and discuss several primary source documents.
Debate Both Sides Now
Understanding multiple perspectives of an issue is the first step to solving real-world problems. Discover students learn to gather evidence, develop an argument, and communicate their case to another team. This unit requires quick thinking and strong listening skills as teams respond to each other in a series of debates. Teams learn to effectively argue both points of view in a fun and informal competitive format.
Shooting Kabul: Novel Study
Shooting Kabul is an historical fiction novel about a family’s dangerous escape from Afghanistan during the summer of 2001. The main character, Fadi, and his family endure personal crisis as they assimilate into their new life in America. The September 11th attacks and the perception of their community add to the family’s challenging transition. Fadi finds solace in photography and “shooting” the world around him using his thoughtful eye. Discover students learn and discuss the different perspectives of the characters as they navigate this time in American history. A culminating project allows students a range of ways to express their perspective of the characters and the problems they face.
Discover Identification and Selection Process
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Selection
Families do not need to fill out an application. The selection process for Discover is done by the District Selection Committee, which consists of a team of at least two Gifted Education Specialists and the Elementary Teaching & Learning Coordinator. The Gifted Education Specialist compiles the needed data on students in the talent pool. The District Selection Committee then reviews all students in the talent pool and determines which students meet criteria for the Discover program. The committee may also determine if there is a need for additional testing.
Notification
The Discover program starts in third grade. Families of students who qualify for the Discover program are notified in the spring of second grade for incoming third grade. After the initial entry point of third grade, families are notified as their child becomes eligible.
Appeal
Parents or guardians may appeal identification decisions by writing a letter of request for reconsideration to the District Selection Committee. A Home Observation Inventory is required. Staff members may also request further consideration for a student by submitting a Teacher Observation Inventory. The District Selection Committee will review each request and determine appropriate action. Please see the link below for a PDF version of the Home Observation Inventory.
Appeal Due Date
Appeals for Discover are usually due by the end of June to ensure the request can be processed before Discover begins the following school year. Requests received during the school year will be processed within 30 days of the request unless additional testing is needed. Students entering Discover mid-year will be placed in the program at the start of the next unit.
Exit
Student performance in Discover is closely monitored. While these programs provide opportunities for challenge and success for most students, they may not match the needs of every student. If a parent, teacher, gifted specialist or student voices a concern regarding the student’s placement in gifted services, the ISD 194 Exit Guidelines will be used to determine the appropriate next steps.
Elementary Gifted Documents


