Philosophy of PEAK: Providing an Enriching Accent on Knowledge

PEAK is Northwest Allen County School's gifted and talented program for qualified students in grades 3 through 5. NACS is committed to continuous academic growth for all students, including those students who perform at, or show the potential to perform at, an outstanding level of academic accomplishment. All students deserve to have content and instruction on their level, and PEAK aims to meet students' needs through curriculum especially designed with the elementary high ability learner in mind.

NACS is also committed to the overall growth of the high ability child, including their social and emotional growth. Gifted students must be helped to realize their uniqueness and to learn to be accepting of themselves and others. PEAK provides opportunities for gifted students to develop positive relationships with peers and to gain a sense of personal responsibility.

NACS follows the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Definition of High Ability as stated below.

The Indiana Code defines a student with high abilities as one who:

• performs at or shows the potential for performing at an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared with other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and
• is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests.

PEAK Identification Procedures ...

The purpose of identification of high ability/gifted learners is to provide an appropriate learning environment that will nurture their potential into high performance. We are not trying to find the "gifted" in order to give them special status. We are trying to meet academic needs and develop those with potential into high performance. It is not about the label; rather it is about providing the appropriate curriculum and instruction.

In order to qualify for PEAK services, students must qualify in both math and language arts:

For High Ability Identification in Math:

*Through Performance: An outstanding score (96th percentile or higher) on a norm-referenced measure of math achievement. The norm-referenced measure that NACS uses is NWEA. NWEA is taken by all students in the fall and spring, and occasionally in the winter.

*Through Potential: An outstanding score (96th percentile or higher) on a norm-referenced measure of quantitative reasoning or a composite measure of quantitative/nonverbal reasoning. The norm-referenced measure that NACS uses is the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). The full CogAT is administered to all students in grades 2 and 5.

*Through Additional Data: When a child's score on either the norm referenced measure of achievement or reasoning falls just below the cutoff, additional data in the form of teacher rating scales or classroom work samples will be reviewed to determine appropriate placement.

For High Ability Identification in Language Arts:

*Through Performance: An outstanding score (96th percentile or higher) on a norm-referenced measure of reading and language achievement. The norm-referenced measure that NACS uses is NWEA. NWEA is taken by all students in the fall and spring, and occasionally in the winter.

*Through Potential: An outstanding score (96th percentile or higher) on a norm-referenced measure of verbal reasoning. The norm-referenced measure that NACS uses is CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). The full CogAT is administered to students in grades 2 and 5.

*Through Additional Data: When a child's score on either the norm referenced measure of achievement or reasoning falls just below the cutoff, additional data in the form of teacher rating scales or classroom work samples will be reviewed to determine appropriate placement.

If a student should qualify in one subject area (math or language arts), then the teacher will differentiate student learning within the general education classroom for that particular subject area.

NACS recognizes that cognitive growth is not always consistent. To ensure all students are receiving appropriate curriculum and instruction, students will be evaluated each spring for the following school year. Academic placement decisions may be modified in accordance with changes in students' learning profiles as they progress through elementary and middle school.

Should a family disagree with the decision made by the committee, there is an appeal process.

PEAK Appeal Procedure and Form

Occasionally, it is necessary for a student to take a furlough from or exit PEAK services.

Exit Procedures and Form

NACS is committed to make sure that all new students to the school district are also given the opportunity to be included in the high ability identification process. Please refer to the letter to prospective or new families to the district for more information. You may also check with the office of the NACS school your child will be attending.

New Student Move-in letter

The PEAK curriculum has been created specifically for high ability/gifted learners. Each grade level features a Project Based Learning (PBL) unit.

The PEAK curriculum features:

• Advanced content (we used standards and themes that may not be presented until middle school)
• Quick pacing of instruction
• Research
• Student choice
• Technology
• Focus on issues, themes, and ideas across many subjects
• 21st century skills (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity)

PEAK Curriculum for Grades 3, 4, and 5