Discovery is a pull-out program that provides the opportunity for academically talented students to participate in units of study and activities that enhance their area of giftedness.   

     •To promote critical thinking and reasoning skills including deductive reasoning and creative problem solving
     •To encourage divergent thinking and production in the areas of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration
     •To help students develop communication skills and confidence in expressing ideas and opinions

     

Students are identified at the beginning of third grade for the Discovery Program. Identification for placement in the Discovery Program is a two-step process:  screening and matrix identification.  The Otis Lennon School Ability Test and the Primary Education Thinking Skills Program (PETS)  in first and second grades are used for screening students.

First and second grade students are exposed to higher level thinking skills (PETS) during enrichment class.  The students that show outstanding aptitude on the whole class lessons are invited to participate in small group sessions.  The small group of students are given further opportunity to explore the thinking skill in a variety of challenging activities.  The small group may vary from thinking skill to thinking skill.  Students who attend several groups in first and second grades will be screened in third grade as part of the identification process.  These students will then take the SAGES test (see below).

The identification matrix is a tool used in the identification of gifted students.  It offers a systematic approach to identifying gifted and talented students.  Students receive points (1-5) for their scores on the identification criteria.  Farmingdale Elementary uses the Otis Lennon School Ability Test, Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students (SAGES 2), and a teacher referral identification checklist as criteria for gifted education. 

Otis Lennon School Ability Test- a standardized test that measures the cognitive abilities that relate to a student's ability to learn and succeed in school.  This test is administered to all first grade students.

Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students (SAGES-2)
A screening assessment used to identify students who are gifted in academics and reasoning.

Teacher Checklist - a checklist of observable characteristics or traits of academically talented students with the following categories:  learning characteristics, creativity, motivation, leadership, and communication.

The total number of points is calculated on the matrix.  Students eligible for the Discovery Program meet performance criteria designated by the school gifted committee.