What to Expect
Exceptional Teaching
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Active Learning
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Friendships
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Fun!
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Enrichment and Evaluation
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Parent Involvement
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Parent Education
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Exceptional Teaching | Active Learning | Friendships | Fun! | Enrichment and Evaluation | Parent Involvement | Parent Education
Exceptional Teaching
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Spark educators are master teachers selected for their content expertise, familiarity with the needs of gifted children, enthusiasm, ability to individualize their teaching and skill in providing interactive and engaging classroom experiences. By getting to know students quickly, encouraging individual talents as well as collaboration and creating a friendly and stimulating learning environment, Spark teachers earn the trust, respect and appreciation of students and parents alike. |
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Active Learning
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Spark students learn advanced mathematical concepts by building computer games. They hone their reading, writing and speaking abilities by creating stories, comics and articles. Spark curricula are designed with gifted children in mind, inviting them to direct their considerable talent and energy toward interdisciplinary projects and practical problem solving through independent and collaborative learning. |
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Friendships
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Teachers and parents alike often comment on the remarkably strong bonds formed between Spark students. Spark provides an excellent opportunity for gifted students to learn and socialize with their intellectual peers. Rather than being singled out and labeled as the “smart kid” in a regular classroom, students are surrounded by other children who share their interests, curiosity and abilities. It is the friendships, just as much as the learning, that makes kids want to return to CTD programs year after year. |
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Fun!
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Given the innovative curricula and camaraderie among classmates, Spark classes are more than just exceptional learning experiences; they are fun! "For my child, the best part of the one-week program was the wonderful friends she made. For me, the best part was having my child in a safe environment where she could conquer her fears about being away from home” says a parent. Survey responses often highlight Spark’s warm and friendly environment, enjoyable course content, enthusiastic teachers and their ability to challenge students to meet and exceed their perceived potential. Whether students are using GPS to find a hidden cache, building their own inventions, or writing a mystery, Spark students come to realize that learning can be simultaneous with having a good time. |
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Enrichment and Evaluation
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Spark courses are for enrichment only; students in this program do not receive grades for the courses they complete. All students do, however, receive a narrative evaluation. The evaluation includes comments on the student’s performance in class as well as student strengths, areas in need of improvement and student work habits and attitudes. Evaluations are sent to families in the fall, following completion of the Summer Program. Parents find the feedback valuable and instructive for guiding their children toward future enrichment opportunities. |
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Parent Involvement
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Center for Talent Development understands the importance of the family's role in a child’s education. A brief family orientation on the opening day of each week provides an overview of the Spark program philosophy, procedures and policies. At the end of each Spark course, family members and friends are invited to attend the Expo!, featuring student work and achievements. |
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Parent Education
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Center for Talent Development is committed not only to its role as a gifted education provider but also to its responsibility to advocate for the gifted community. By providing an annual family conference, frequent parent seminars, publications and information on events, resources and research related to giftedness, CTD empowers parents to play an active and informed role in ensuring the best education for their children. |
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