Gifted and Talented

Meet our Gifted and Talented Teacher

Mary Strauss

Mary Strauss

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School: 720-561-3807

 

At Flatirons Elementary, we take a unique approach to our Advanced Learning Plans. We believe in a standards driven, portfolio-based system, which means that students and teachers collaboratively select specific pieces of work or artifacts that showcase their learning and progress towards their goals. Students then, reflect on each artifact in relation to its significance to their learning. This approach allows us to make the Advanced Learning Plan more authentic, transforming it from a mere document into a valuable tool for tracking and fostering student growth. It's a way for students to reflect on their achievements and make their learning journey even more meaningful.

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)