Academics
High academic standards and a diverse student body ensure that students learn not only from their teachers, but also from one another. In 2011, 160 Spark participants came from across the country and around the world, and they all shared one common characteristic - a love for learning.
Given the multitude of interesting course options, we invite you to use our handy course search tool to find the right Spark course for you. The course search tool can also be used to search for two-week Solstice courses, and three-week Apogee courses.
The links above will also help you in selecting a course and preparing your child for an exciting and enriching summer experience.
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Instructional Staff
Our distinguished instructional staff is selected from premiere schools in the Chicago area and throughout the Midwest. Instructors are chosen for their mastery of subject matter, classroom experience, enthusiasm, ability to individualize their teaching and skill in providing interesting, thought-provoking, and varied classroom experiences. Each class also has a teaching assistant selected from universities across the country. Teaching assistants provide academic support to students both in and out of class.
With expertise in gifted and early childhood education, Spark instructors create a dynamic learning environment suited for the stimulation of bright young minds. By incorporating innovative use of technology and proven practices for teaching gifted children, Spark instructors enhance classroom study and ensure that students are challenged and engaged – never bored!
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Courses
Spark students enroll in one class per week and may attend multiple weeks each summer. Classes meet for approximately five hours a day. In order to maximize personal attention to the learner, Spark courses are limited to 18 students per class, and each class has both a master teacher and a teaching assistant. These two individuals work together to get to know the students, encourage their talents and engage them in hands-on activities and challenging lessons. Spark residential students attend mandatory study sessions led by the teaching assistants on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Evanston commuters are encouraged to participate in these study sessions, as they enhance the student's learning experience. There are no evening study sessions in Elmhurst.
Course Selection
Spark courses are intended to build upon a student's strengths; courses do not remediate areas of weaknesses. Each course is an intensive experience - by studying a topic of interest, students stay focused, achieve success and enjoy themselves in the process. Applicants should select courses based on their area of academic strength, based on test scores or other academic measures, and their area of interest.
Because courses fill quickly, families are encouraged to list several course selections. Listing several choices does not hurt a student’s chance of being assigned to the first course choice, and neither does listing only one choice increase a student’s chance of placement in that course. The selection committee reserves the right to interpret the information contained in the application packet in order to select students most likely to contribute to and benefit from a Center for Talent Development Summer Program experience.
Syllabi
Syllabi from past Spark courses, along with samples of student work, provide a good sense of Spark courses’ depth and breadth, as well as the varied projects and activities which engage students each day. Please click here to read examples of past course syllabi.
Evaluation
All students receive a final, narrative evaluation of their work. Spark evaluations provide feedback about achievement and performance in the course, student strengths, areas in need of further development and student work habits and attitudes.
High academic standards and a diverse student body ensure that students learn not only from their teachers, but also from one another. In 2011, 160 Spark participants came from across the country and around the world, and they all shared one common characteristic - a love for learning.
Given the multitude of interesting course options, we invite you to use our handy course search tool to find the right Spark course for you. The course search tool can also be used to search for two-week Solstice courses, and three-week Apogee courses.
The links above will also help you in selecting a course and preparing your child for an exciting and enriching summer experience.
Instructional Staff
Our distinguished instructional staff is selected from premiere schools in the Chicago area and throughout the Midwest. Instructors are chosen for their mastery of subject matter, classroom experience, enthusiasm, ability to individualize their teaching and skill in providing interesting, thought-provoking, and varied classroom experiences. Each class also has a teaching assistant selected from universities across the country. Teaching assistants provide academic support to students both in and out of class.
With expertise in gifted and early childhood education, Spark instructors create a dynamic learning environment suited for the stimulation of bright young minds. By incorporating innovative use of technology and proven practices for teaching gifted children, Spark instructors enhance classroom study and ensure that students are challenged and engaged – never bored!
return to top
Courses
Spark students enroll in one class per week and may attend multiple weeks each summer. Classes meet for approximately five hours a day. In order to maximize personal attention to the learner, Spark courses are limited to 18 students per class, and each class has both a master teacher and a teaching assistant. These two individuals work together to get to know the students, encourage their talents and engage them in hands-on activities and challenging lessons. Spark residential students attend mandatory study sessions led by the teaching assistants on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Evanston commuters are encouraged to participate in these study sessions, as they enhance the student's learning experience. There are no evening study sessions in Elmhurst.
return to top
Course Selection
Spark courses are intended to build upon a student's strengths; courses do not remediate areas of weaknesses. Each course is an intensive experience - by studying a topic of interest, students stay focused, achieve success and enjoy themselves in the process. Applicants should select courses based on their area of academic strength, based on test scores or other academic measures, and their area of interest.
Because courses fill quickly, families are encouraged to list several course selections. Listing several choices does not hurt a student’s chance of being assigned to the first course choice, and neither does listing only one choice increase a student’s chance of placement in that course. The selection committee reserves the right to interpret the information contained in the application packet in order to select students most likely to contribute to and benefit from a Center for Talent Development Summer Program experience.
return to top
Syllabi
Syllabi from past Spark courses, along with samples of student work, provide a good sense of Spark courses’ depth and breadth, as well as the varied projects and activities which engage students each day. Please click here to read examples of past course syllabi.
return to top
Evaluation
All students receive a final, narrative evaluation of their work. Spark evaluations provide feedback about achievement and performance in the course, student strengths, areas in need of further development and student work habits and attitudes.
