Column: Prairie Elementary aiding gifted and talented

• District 518

District 518

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WORTHINGTON — Many experts have a difficult time agreeing on a definition of giftedness. Prairie Elementary has attempted to measure students cognitive potential with a process that looks at verbal, math/quantitative and non-verbal ability.

There are many areas of intelligence, ability and talent. Prairie Elementary tries to be as inclusive as possible when nurturing youngsters with high potential. Students need opportunities to grow at their level, and at Prairie Elementary we try to provide them with a learning environment where they are challenged at the level they need.

In recent years, our elementary school has attempted to structure our school to best meet the learning needs of all students. Whatever the reason, not all children learn the same way at the same rate. We at Prairie Elementary are trying to meet each learner’s needs wherever he or she may be on the learning spectrum, and we have done well in serving the learner. Those who care to examine the Minnesota State test data in more depth will find that many students in our sub-categories have done better than the average Minnesota learner in the areas of reading and mathematics.

Again it is beneficial for the Worthington community to know that Prairie Elementary is doing well with those students who may require instruction for high potential. Prairie Elementary services currently include cluster classrooms, after-school opportunities, contests and conferences. Serving high-potential students is a work in progress, and we will continue to strive to raise achievement for all students.

Kelly Troe is a third-grade teacher and Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Prairie Elementary.

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