The AEI Advisory Committee on Accelerated and Enriched Instruction (fka Gifted and Talented Education) is meeting next Thursday, January 14, 7:15 pm, in Carver (850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville) Room 127.
 
The Committee is scheduled to hear presentations on and to discuss the so-called Middle School Expansion Courses now being phased in, including ability grouping in Middle School.
 
As part of Middle School Reform, a new Middle School curriculum is being phased in across the middle schools.  There are three sets of courses:

1. Required courses include Investigations in Science 6,7 and 8;  Advanced English 6, 7 and 8;  Advanced World Studies 6, 7;  Advanced US History 8. 
2. Optional linked courses (schools select one pathway):  a series of Information and Communication Technology courses and computer courses;
3. Independent elective courses:  various arts, science, robotics, geography courses.

Would you please either send directly to Fred Stichnoth (fred.stichnoth @ yahoo.com), or post on the GTA listserv, by Monday, your thoughts about these courses?  Also, how is ability grouping being handled at your Middle School?  How are the courses and ability grouping serving GT students?
 
If we receive several responses, GTA will collect them into one document (omitting your names and email addresses), and forward the document to the Committee.
 
It would be great if you would come to the meeting to hear the discussion.  If you don't, then go to GTA's Summer in January Camp Fair the same evening:  Tilden Holding Center, 6300 Tilden Lane, Rockville 7:00-8:30 pm.
 
Background:

• Middle School Expansion Course Summary
• Middle School Expansion Courses
• Middle School Expansion Courses Powerpoint presentation by Stacy Gray, 3/12/09