TDAS
TDAS (Gifted Services)
Talent Development and Accelerated Services (TDAS), formerly known as Gifted and Talented, is a strong focus at Randolph Heights. Each year the district gives all kindergartners and 2nd graders the CogAT7, which is a nationally normed assessment to identify students who may benefit from talent development and acceleration services. As Randolph Heights typically has a high number of students identified using this tool, we make an effort to be sure each child is challenged and has their academic, creative and social emotional needs met, regardless of the results of the test.
Because we have such a high number of gifted identified students, all of the teachers at Randolph Heights have had extensive Gifted Education training. We use a Depth and Complexity model to help students delve deeper in their understanding of topics and differentiate learning experiences to meet kids where they are at. Please see below for some of the ways we do this and the levels of service we offer students:
Level 1 (all students)
- Nature center field trips
- Performing arts field trips
- Grade level musical productions
- Art, Science, Music and Physical Education specialists
- Depth and Complexity Model for thinking skills employed across grade levels
- Differentiation in classroom curriculum
- Core Knowledge social studies across grades
- Overnight trip for 5th graders to an environmental learning center
- Junior Achievement economics activities and field trips
- 5th grade-Kindergarten Buddies
- Kids College enrichment groups
Level 2 (many students–all could, but not all will)
- Extended Day Learning enrichment
- Discovery Club after school enrichment
- Band (grades 4 & 5)
- Spelling Bee (grades 4 & 5)
- Math Masters competition (grades 4 & 5)
- Continental Math competition (grades 3-5)
- Destination Imagination creative problem solving
- Lego League Robotics
- Student Council
- Talent Show
- Battle of the Books
- School Newspaper
- Spanish classes offered after school
- Community Education classes offered onsite after school
Level 3 (select students based on demonstrated need)
- Grade acceleration for math
- Curriculum compacting