Program Models and Curricular Options
Bloom’s Taxonomy (cont.)
As you see in the chart on the previous page, Evaluation and Synthesis (Creating) have been reversed and Knowledge and Comprehension have been revised to read Recalling and Understanding. No matter which model or terminology you use, the higher levels – from application on up – are the areas you should focus on when differentiating curriculum. As students master concepts at these levels they are using critical and creative thinking and are adding resources to their mental “toolboxes” that they will use over and over again in diverse situations.
Summing it all up
Our goal as educators is to help all of our students experience success, work towards their potential, and become lifelong learners. Our gifted population is unique and requires special programs to meet their educational needs. Fortunately, the State of Florida agrees with this and mandates the development of special programs facilitated by teachers who are educated in working with gifted students and are endorsed to do so.
As you sit in your class you face a roomful of diverse personalities, ranging from low performers, to average learners, to advanced producers. Your task is to provide an ambitious curriculum covering all the benchmarks specified in the Sunshine State Standards while maintaining a decent pace, assuring that all students are learning, and having evidence for accountability! The key is differentiation. As Dr. Seuss said,
"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!"
Use the matrix and the assignment checklist as your guides for completing the week's assignments.