Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented Learning in Project-Based Learning
Meadowlark School is not a “Focus School;” however, there is an intense focus on personalizing learning to make sure it is challenging, meaningful and engaging for every student. Students who are currently identified as Talented and Gifted under BVSD’s identification process continue to receive the support and enrichment identified in their Individual Learning Plans. Students who demonstrate exceptional background knowledge and skills are engaged in challenging and meaningful learning opportunities to enrich their learning. Learning is personalized for each student and families are involved in developing plans to support student needs. The flexible grouping within the learning community ensures all students receive instruction at their current level of performance and are engaged in rigorous projects to ensure academic growth. All students learn how to take the lead role in their own learning and teacher advisors monitor their work and progress.
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The BVSD Gifted & Talented (GT) Office supports schools and stakeholders, offers professional development, and oversees school-based programming. A wealth of information is available on the BVSD GT Webpage.
The Gifted & Talented Advisor (GTA) is the primary advocate for students, communications, and programming in the school.
Contact Us
Heather Howe
Faculty Information
School / Department
Meadowlark School
Department
Instructional Support Team
Location(s)
Boulder Valley District, Creekside Elementary, Mesa Elementary, Meadowlark School
Title(s)
Gift and Talented Tutor
Job Title
Tutor
Contact Information
School Email
School Phone
720-561-2675
Other Information
Biography
Heather is originally from Boulder County, growing up in Nederland and then attending CU Boulder where she received a B.A. in History as well as an Elementary Education license. She has been in education for over ten years, mostly as a substitute teacher in San Diego Unified Schools. She and her high school sweetheart husband moved back to Boulder County to start their family and be closer to the mountains where they grew up. In her spare time Heather loves to travel, having been to 65 countries and counting, and all 50 states. Other passions include reading and spending time with her daughter and husband.
BVSD schools provide programming for Gifted and Talented (GT) students based on their identified needs and in accordance with district identification policy, which is based on a body of evidence. The BVSD Gifted & Talented (GT) Office supports schools and stakeholders, offers professional development, and oversees school-based programming. A wealth of information is available on the BVSD.org Gifted and Talented page.
The Gifted & Talented Advisor (GTA) is the primary advocate for students, communications, and programming in the school.
Students may be identified as Gifted & Talented in one or more of the following areas:
- General or specific intellectual ability
- Specific academic aptitude
- Creative or productive thinking
- Leadership abilities
- Visual arts, performing arts, musical or psychomotor abilities
Schools follow the BVSD Acceleration policy when making decisions about subject or grade level acceleration for students. Some highly advanced gifted children may enter kindergarten or first grade early through the BVSD Early Access policy.
The classroom teacher is the primary provider of advanced academic services to students. Programming is documented in the student's Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) or, at the secondary level, (ICAP). Programming may include academic, enrichment, and affective (social emotional) supports and extensions.
BVSD sponsors district-wide enrichment activities. These are open to students whether they are identified as GT or not. Learn more on the BVSD.org Gifted and Talented page.
- Corden Pharma Colorado Regional Science Fair (Grades 6-12)
- Destination Imagination - NOCO Canyon Region (Grades k-12)
- Boulder Regional History Day (Grades 6-12)
- Boulder Valley Regional Spelling Bee (Grades 3-8)
- Math Olympiads (Grades 4 and 5)
- Battle of the Books (Grades 3-12)