Ryan Elementary Math and Science Focus School
Talented and Gifted Program Overview
Jim Armitage, Principal

We recognize that students with exceptional academic capabilities demonstrate educational needs that require special programming. At Ryan, we offer advanced level classes in math, science, reading and writing, providing extra challenge to meet the needs of these talented and gifted (TAG) students. We believe that student work for advanced learners should enhance learning and be different as opposed to “more” work. This differentiation takes place daily in the classroom, through clustering of TAG students in pullout programming and in special opportunities and activities for identified children.

Here at Ryan we are pleased to offer a unique during and after school enrichment program for our talented and gifted students. Our TAG program provides students an opportunity to work in small groups with other TAG identified children. We encourage the students’ ability to think “out of the box”. TAG topics and pullout groups have included advanced algebra for 4th and 5th graders, Junior Great Books (an advanced reading program), newspaper publishing, science enhancement through our Math and Science Teacher on Special Assignment, and introduction to genetics, an architecture and engineering unit, geometry with Zometools, a Greek and Latin word roots spelling unit, and much more.

Our goal is to meet the needs of the “whole child”. Since we believe that all students have talents/gifts and need to be challenged, all students at Ryan are eligible for and encouraged to participate in a variety of talent development activities. Some examples are: Destination ImagiNation, Ryan Science Fair, Junior Great Books, spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Ryan Ringers Handbell Choir, Vocal Choir Group, CU Science Discovery, CU Science Explorers, Chess Club, Super School News, writing and art competitions.

We use the Boulder Valley School District nomination process, which means a teacher, parent or other adult may nominate a student for assessment for possible gifted and talented identification and services. The nominating individual contacts Holly Saltz, Ryan’s Talented and Gifted (TAG) Educational Advisor to begin the process. Nominator’s may also contact the child’s homeroom teacher to start the process for TAG nomination.

Parent and teacher inventories of the characteristics of the student will be collected along with achievement data and other relevant assessment information that is available. The TAG Educational Advisor will conduct aptitude testing and evaluation with the district-approved and provided materials. All of the collected data is reviewed and a determination of identification as a TAG student will be made by the Ryan TAG Committee for TAG. The school will develop a Personal learning Plan (PLP) for each TAG identified student. This PLP takes place in September of each school year. Parents, teachers and the TAG education advisor create the personalized learning plan for each identified child.

We are always looking for mentors and guest speakers. If you have special talents or interests you would like to share with selected students, or if you have questions about the program at Ryan Math and Science Focus School, please contact Holly Saltz at 303-665-3345, or email her at holly.saltz@bvsd.org.