Explore Program

Explore is a pullout program for students that have been identified as gifted and/or talented on a nationally standardized ability test.  Students who qualify are pulled out of their regular classroom for a 1/2 hour a week in first grade, and approximately 1 1/2 hours a week in 2nd, and 3rd grade.  Bloom's Taxonomy, Parnes Creative Problem Solving, Renzulli's Enrichment Triad, Treffinger's Self-Directed Learning, Bett's Autonomous Learner, and Taba's Teaching Strategies are some of the various models of gifted education that are utilized in this program.

The development of higher level thinking skills is a primary goal of the Explore Program.  The curriculum includes activities that encourage open-ended questions and give students the opportunities to use questioning, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.  Divergent thinking skills will be introduced through the use of creativity and creative problem solving skills.

The curriculum emphasizes information skills and the use of computer technology for research, writing, and communication.  Students' interests, current events, and the regular curriculum will receive major emphasis in the choice of topics to be studied.  Activities will help develop skills in creative writing, research, science, humanities, literature appreciation, math, and computer skills.  Students will develop discussion and listening skills.

Activities help promote self-awareness and self-concept.  The goal is to develop students who are self-directed and self-motivated.  Students will have the opportunity to work independently, with other individuals, or in small groups.  Opportunities for developing leadership ability are provided as they interact with other individuals.  Tasks may expose students to both success and failure and provide experience for students so they can learn how to deal with their feelings in each situation.  They will have the opportunity to prepare products for real audiences.  Service to their school community will be encouraged.