Portage Advanced Learner Program
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Professional Development for Staff
Monthly links to shared documents on:
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LEGO & Problem Solving Volunteers
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Winter Testing Data
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Percentage of students in grades 2-6 who are at the 90th percentile or above:
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Percentage of students in grades 2-6 who are at the 98th percentile or above:
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Accelerations
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Individualized Learning Plans
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Popular Technology Integration Projects
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Technology Resources
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Collaboration, Inventive Thinking, High Productivity, Communication, Digital Literacy, Real World Tools, Self-Direction...
Spring Event Summary
Math 24 - 30 students Each year, more students become excited about this mental math competition. Presentations in classrooms introduced fourth graders to the game and clarified the rules for fifth and sixth graders. As a result, students put in extra effort to be chosen as a participant in our grade level tournments. Many chose to attend practice sessions during their lunch recess which gave them a chance to gain points and show how serious they were about the game. All of their hard work was evident during the competition. The top eighteen scorers continued on to a regional competition in Reedsburg. Three of those students earned medals: Rocco A, Madeline M, and Cody S. Math 24 Web Page Spelling Bee - 8 students It is very difficult to win a medal at the regional spelling bee where students must compete with the best of the best (not to mention spelling harder words.) Dawson B from Endeavor brought home a third place ribbon! Spelling Bee Web Page Creative Arts Festival - 7 students Students are recommended by their music and art teachers for this incredible opportunity. It is one of the few creative events the Advanced Learner program promotes, making it extra special. Seven students participated in either stage performance, weaving, surrealism, or up-cycling (new from old.) Creative Arts Web Page College Days for Kids - 60 students Once again we were able to send 60 students to UW - Stevens Point for a day long college experience. Favorite classes included rock climbing, making sushi, designing a sneaker, shoebox theatre and taekwondo. College for Kids (Madison) - 1 student This is a special opportunity for 1 or 2 Portage students to attend a week long workshop on the UW-Madison campus. This summer, incoming sixth grader Aidan A will have a choice of many classes to take; most of them in the STEM curriculum areas. LEGOS - 25 students Four groups of students sharpened their creativity and cooperation skills by using the Mindstorm Robotics kits. Next year other kits may be purchased that will allow students to learn about simple machines, basic programming, and story telling. With more kits, options, lessons (and hopefully adult volunteers) the program can be open to more participants. LEGO Club Web Page Problem Solving Club- 7 students Second graders at Muir and Endeavor worked their way through a process to build a new toy that other children would enjoy. End products included board games and specialty stuffed animals. As third graders, these teams will be eligible to participate in a Destination Imagination or Odyssey of the Mind competition. |
Newer Initiatives
Writer's Group - 102 students This activity was developed to increase interest in writing for the August Derleth competition. Students at each elementary building in grades 3-6 were chosen by their teacher(s) to meet every other week to learn more about the competition's required categories. The end result was over 130 entries making judging quite difficult! Twenty-one students will now participate in a full day of writing at the UW-Baraboo campus at the end of May. Derleth Web Page Junior Youth Leadership / People to People - 2 students Each year teachers nominate students who they feel possess the qualities of a good leader to participate in a national week long conference. This summer, Eve S and Lauren P will be traveling to Washington DC to work with other students, learn about leadership, and explore our nation's capital. Digital Learning Day - 50+ students (Muir) This nationwide effort to have everyone using technology on the same day expanded above and beyond in Portage. Advanced Learners participated by showcasing what they use technology for: collaborative slide shows, independent project research and presentations, online book discussions, LEGO robotics, Gmail correspondance, weeblys, prezis, google docs, and the Reading Rocks program. Digital Learning Day Web Page Science and Math Extravaganza - 440 people Originally a family math night at Muir, this event expanded to include all elementary school students and families. The big draw was several groups of UW-Madison scientists who came to share their expertise. Students made slime, extracted DNA, and learned about the vocalizations of gibbons! Science and Math Web Page "eyeChat" - 6 students Although the main goal of the Advanced Learner program is to focus on student academics, the social/emotional component is equally important. A pilot of fifth grade students, who call themselves the "eyeChat" group, started meeting once a week in April to talk about issues related to being an Advanced Learner. Based on the students' feedback, this option will be expanded next year to include more students and perhaps involve a leadership component as well. JASON Project - 48 students This online curriculum for upper elementary was used by Mary Roberts' classes at Rusch. It created an increase in on-task behavior and a love for learning science concepts. Technology and reading were integrated throughout, along with writing lessons and mapping skills. Having piloted JASON this year, there are plans to expand the program to other fourth grade classrooms. Students especially enjoyed sharing their learning with parents at Rusch Family Fun Night. Staff Presentation JASON in Action |
Reference Documents:
Portage Advanced Learner Plan - Approved January 2012
Technology Standards by Grade Level