At Wasatch Peak Academy, we recognize that every student learns differently. This is particularly true for gifted students. We acknowledge the importance of fostering the potential of these exceptional learners and providing them with programs that support their growth and development.
Backed by research from the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), we aim to shed light on why catering to the needs of gifted students is essential and showcase the programs that have proven successful in doing so. Our holistic approach to education ensures that students not only succeed academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.
From our flourishing Accelerated Learning program to daily intervention time dedicated to paring highly qualified teachers with students who need it most Wasatch Peak is dedicated to meeting the needs of all learners.
We are committed to helping every student succeed. That's why we have dedicated daily intervention time to provide additional support for struggling learners. During these sessions, our experienced educators work closely with students to identify areas where they need assistance and provide targeted support to help them catch up and thrive.
Gifted and talented students have unique needs that, when unaddressed, can lead to disengagement and underachievement. Research from the National Association for Gifted Children emphasizes that providing tailored support not only enhances their academic performance but also contributes to their overall well-being. We offer advanced/accelerated classes in every grade level to challenge and inspire our high-achieving students. Our program fosters passionate learners through.
Recognizing that each gifted student is unique, we provide personalized learning pathways that cater to their specific needs and abilities. Wasatch Peak Academy offers classes in both math and literacy, allowing students to excel in one area and benefit from a traditional pace in another.
We are one of a few public charter schools that offer universal screening with the CogAT assessment to identify and place gifted students in our programs. The CogAT is offered in the fall of each school year.
In the lower grades, advanced classes offer students the opportunity to move through content at a faster pace and engage in extended learning opportunities daily in their classrooms unlike other programs that are only able to offer weekly access to enrichment opportunities. Starting in 4th grade, our program is designed to move through four years of math and four years of literacy curriculum in three years. Through this program, 33% of students go on to middle school a full grade ahead in math and literacy.
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Research indicates that gifted students often spend significant amounts of the school year reviewing curriculum and concepts they have already mastered and leading to boredom and disengagement in the classroom. At Wasatch Peak, we assess and monitor individual skills and concept mastery for every student. When a student has demonstrated mastery of a skill or concept, they work with the teacher to move out of tasks that benefit other students and develop a learning plan to extend their learning of the concept studied.
From endorsements to conferences and a wide variety of trainings in-between WPA is invested in training educators that understand and support the needs of gifted and accelerated students. Meaning that support in the classroom exists hour to hour and not just a weekly pullout group.
Based on the seminal work of Dr. Sandra Kaplan, Bette Gould, and Sheila Madsen and continued today by some of the leading educators in Gifted and Talented education, teaching with Depth and Complexity encourages students to engage in learning differently. More than speeding through the curriculum, students are challenged to think critically, analyze information, and delve into complex thinking that will take them well beyond the classroom.
We are passionate about fostering individual growth in every student. Whether it's excelling in academics, developing leadership skills, or honing creative talents, we encourage and celebrate the unique achievements of each student.
Our holistic approach that includes options for students who are advanced as well as those who need additional support ensures that students not only succeed academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.
