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Show Lakeside Review South, Wednesday, September 5, 1984 3B Davis District Providing Programs for Gifted CHERYL ARCHIBALD Review Staff The Davis County School District is establishing more programs for gifted and talent- ed students, though such pro grams are criticized by some in the field of education. . Some critics in recent years have labeled the special clas-- l ses, activities and materials for the gifted elitist and claim they reach only those who con- form and earn better than average grades. They say the highly intelligent and excep- tionally creative are over . ; ; ! i J ; '' looked. Much of the controversy cen-- ; ters around two main concepts ! named in The Persistent Problems of. Education by Pau-- Woodring. One idea is that education should be struc- tured at one level for all students. Those who cannot keep up with the standard should be given extra help until they are able to reach the achievement ' Program was established six years ago, and is still in a refining and broadening process. To give a better understanding of its goals and offerings, Larry Wilson, director, explained the program. Wilson does not feel that the gifted program is elitist." I think individual needs of each child need to be met effectively, he said. Most teachers in the classroom today are aware of the needs of individual students. Were trying to provide the materials, activities, and teaching methods to help them. Criteria for choosing gifted students ' . by v Stanford Achievement There are five levels in the Davis County gifted talented program, all designed according to Wilson to strengthen the regular program. First is the Basic Classroom Program for students from grades one through 12. academic plemented this year or next. The main objective is to motivate children through chal- thick binder of material taught to teachers in a special training course. The Davis Academy is going into its third year and is for all achievement level students. In it, childrens theatre, foreign language, computer science and dance are offered at an accelerated speed for grades one through 12. Fee for the Davis Academy is $15 to $20 for an eight week session. The classes are after school. Teachers are responsible for taking the training available to implement programs like Junior Great Books, and Blooms Taxonomy. They can use teaching methods like the Workshop Way to reach the needs of all students. Talents Unlimited is contained in a those with the achievement top grades and with 95 percent overall composite scores on l , is the Tests, by interview, by teacher recommendation based on students ability to grasp things quickly, and by parental request. Third is the Gifted Special Education Program for students with lower than average grades - the unmotivated. Also, this program will offer classes for the handicapped. Essentially on paper at this point, Wilson said the program will be im high-abili- ty lenges. The Excel program was started last year and will be expanded this year, Wilson said. Classes are held after school at 2 different schools for grades five and six. Tuition is $15 for eight sessions. Students in the top 10 percent of their classes academically qualify. Classes are designed to develop thinking skills, leadership abilities, and creativity. The fifth program, the Davis Satellite Program, is a pilot program beginning this year at Doxey, Morgan, Taylor, and Orchard elementary e schools. Separate, classes for grades four, five and six are available for stu 1 full-tim- dents in the top 5 percent in grades and on test scores. Curriculum for Satellite classes is the same as in regular classes for each grade, but each student will be allowed to progress in applying the things he or she learns. Higher-levthinking will be encouraged; students will learn to analyze, forecast, research, plan, make decisions, and solve problems in a creative el way. Teachers are chosen from those who have taken training and have an interest in students. Wilson said parents who think they have a gifted child should contact their childs principal to gain direction and advice on what program would meet their child's needs. ed level set. .The second concept says that multi-trac- k systems offer classes and standards for many levels of achievement - individualized teaching for individual needs. Remedial classes are set up for students with lower than average perfor- mance, and gifted talented programs are offered t5 indi-- ; viduals who excel past the norm. Davis County educators have adopted the second philoso- phy. The districts Gift- - , ! i ,' 1 ; edTalented - Education School Lunch Costs to Remain Same for This Year School district officials say they are trying to hold the line on school lunch prices and cost will remain the same for Pavis County students this year. A school lunch costs 70 cents in district elementary schools, 80 cents in the junior high schools and 90 cents a lunch in county high schools, which serve approximately 28,000 students a day. The school lunches are the best buy you can get, said Maxine Meeves, su pervisor for the districts school food service. It is almost impossible to find the quality and amount of food students receive in a school lunch for the price they pay, she said. According to federal government regulations, school lunches must provide d of the daily nutrients required ; one-thir- for a student. Students receive fruit, a vegetable, bread product, meat and milk to meet these requirements, she said. In writing' the seven-wee- k cycle the menues, we really try to cater-tkids," she said. The menues are written every seven weeks to use fruits and vegetables that are in season. Government commodities that are purchased for the school districts, such as meat, cheese or butter, make up 12 cents per meal. This year, different foods such as pita bread sandwiches will be featured on o school district menues. The school food service is attempting to get as many students as possible to eat the school lunches, she said. The number of students who eat in the cafeteria is lower in high schools, she said, since many of them leave the school premises to buy their lunch. To qualify for free or reduced price meals, information such as household size and family income is taken into consideration by school officials. Interested household can submit the following information at any time during the school year: names of all household members, social security numbers of adult members, total household income, written evidence documenting the current income, and the signature of an adult household member. All information submitted is to remain confidential. Youmr improve Home Life materials at Parent Education Resource Center are Jan Newton, secretary; Peggy Dykhuizen, media processor, and Loretta Enders, parent aid coordinator (from left). CATALOGING PERC Begins Eighth Year The Davis FARMINGTON School Districts Parent Education Resource Center, 100 S. 200 E., Farmington is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each school day with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The PERC center is beginning its eighth year of operation. It is day is the theme for the ongoing much like a lending library, said parent education activities which Mary Hughes, director. We have take the form of seminars, workshops and classes. a wealth of information concernOf special interest this year is ing child development, discipline, tlie enlarged section offering macommunication and other subterials of specific interest to parjects pertinent to parenting. ents of gifted children, said Mrs. Meeting the Challenges of To Hughes. y SPECIAL BATHROM TISSUE 4 Rons 2 PLY PAPER TOWELS p. roil. K0J0 4JDV KrV VOLUME DISCOUNTS Lots of Seconds ' ' Plates PRINTED NAPKINS With $5.00 Purchase Plnaus S6.99 Napkins Gasses Table Covers I , I I I I Complete Wedding Dept. Guest Book , Announcements - . COUPON Plastic Utensils and Serving Bowls Placemats I I 2 Lbs. Seconds to Choose from Complete Wedding Dept. Assorted """ SPECIAL FOR SUMMER . to the Layton Hills Mall and find all types of to improve your home life during the Home & Energy Show, today through Saturday, September 8. See ideas on interior decorating, satellites! lighting, insulation, sprinklers, and the list goes on! Mall Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-- 9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-- 6 p.m. Sunday: Noon-- 5 p.m. Come A AiS r v ASK ABOUT Campmjt and Picnic Supplies Everything for Parltes ' i Cake Server , Albums , Garters Guest Favors Decorations CLAYTON MILLS WMALL - |