FAQ Grade 4 Challenge Ms. Michell Carter micarter@atlanta.k12.ga.us www.teacherweb.com/GA/SarahSmith/MichellCarter Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) Q: What is my child doing with you in challenge this year? A: We will continue to support the standards using the Junior Great Books. Students will participate in Shared Inquiry discussion with a high level of comprehension expected. They may need to read and study the stories at home just as in the past. This will take place during the 3rd week of each month throughout the year. The Future Problem Solving Program will be used to develop research skills, writing skills, informational reading comprehension, teamwork, future thinking, and of course, problem solving. The topic for this year is: Human Rights. This will take place during the first semester. Students will participate in a mock Stock Market simulation that will utilize math, reading comprehension, and drawing conclusions about the stock market based on news events. The conclusions will guide the buying and selling of stocks in personal stock portfolios. I will provide an opportunity for independent, interest based learning for the students. It is my goal to teach them to become first hand inquirers and work to develop, research, and solve real world problems. Finally, we will continue to support the classroom teachers in all aspects of the curriculum. I will work to extend and enrich the learning going on across all subject areas, and will hopefully help your child learn and grow academically to become a well rounded investigator and problem solver. Q: Is challenge graded? A: Challenge students will be graded using the APS Challenge Report Card. The ckhildren will keep track of their own grades in order to reflect upon progress in real time. The grading instrument is a progression style assessment that spans levels 1-4. Therefore all grades will be on a scale of 1-4. This document is a part of the permenant record and assesses Advanced Research Skills, Creative Thinking & Problem Solving Skills, Higher Order & Critical Thinking Skills in Academic Areas, and Advanced Communication Skills (homework, class participation, working with others, etc.). ALL GRADES ARE BASED UPON WORK COMPLETED IN CLASS as stated on the APS Gifted Report Card. Q: What are the guidelines for challenge placement? A: See link to APS Gifted and Talented FAQ 2011-2012