Program
Research on human abilities by Robert
Sternberg, Joseph Renzulli, Benjamin Bloom, Howard Gardner, and
Calvin Taylor clearly and unequivocally demonstrates the need for a
broader definition of giftedness and more flexible student selection
procedures. The research also shows that creative, productive
accomplishments, or gifted behavior, requires the interaction of
three characteristics:
- Above average ability
- Task commitment
- Creativity
The students are provided three types of
experiences. General exploratory
lessons probe the depth and breadth of human knowledge.
Skills or process training necessary
for independent learning are given in a problem or game-like
setting.
Finally, an opportunity for more in-depth learning experiences are
provided during independent investigations based upon students'
academic needs, interest, and motivations.
These experiences touch all the students in
all the classrooms through after-school activities, guest speakers,
performances, field trips, music program, honor classes, unified
arts opportunities, and activities that differentiate instruction.
The mission of the QuEST Program is to
ensure that all students have an opportunity to develop their unique
gifts and talents by creating a learning environment that encourages
students to:
Question
the world around them
Understand
the need to learn and grow
Explore
the past, present, and future
Search
for solutions and meaning
Think
creatively and critically
Primary Goals
- To create an instructional environment
which encourages the development and demonstration of gifted
behaviors
- To provide on-going student assessment
and identification
- To integrate gifted programming
strategies into the regular classroom
- To provide all students with
opportunities, experiences, and resources by enriching the
regular curriculum and by enhancing student interests and
intellectual curiosity
- To create a school-wide learning
environment that encourages the development and demonstration of
students' creative and critical thinking skills
- To provide opportunities for students
to explore academic talents and interest through independent
investigative work and to create high level products that
incorporate their knowledge, skill, and expertise
- To promote continuous growth of the
professional staff in the area of gifted education with an
emphasis on the differentiation of curriculum in the regular
classroom
- To develop and maintain recognition of
the needs, abilities, and interests of high ability students by
communicating with the faculty, administration, student body,
parents, and community
Program Coordinator, Dr.
Nancy Eastlake
QuEST, 28 S. Main Street,
West Hartford 06107
(860) 561-6608
