Self-contained gifted program

The PVUSD self-contained gifted program, located at Sonoran Sky Elementary School, serves highly and profoundly gifted students in grades K-6.  The self-contained gifted program is designed for high-achieving, highly-gifted students whose needs may not be met by the other gifted programs offered in the district. In this program, students generally work two or more years beyond grade level with intellectual peers. Students in the self-contained program participate in daily special areas with the other grade-level classes and are included in all grade-level activities and field trips.

To qualify for the self-contained gifted program, students must have scores (on a state-approved gifted test) of 97+ in two of the three areas: Verbal, Quantitative, and/or Nonverbal area(s), with the third score being 90 or higher. Students may also qualify for the program with an IQ of 140+. (To see the ADE State Approved Gifted Test List, go to the ADE link from the PVUSD Gifted Ed. homepage.) Examples: V 99; Q 98; NV 96 or V 99; Q 96; NV 99.

To apply for the PVUSD Self-Contained Gifted Program, please contact the PVUSD Gifted Education Department at 602-787-5025.

Curriculum highlights

Shared Inquiry/Socratic Questioning

Problem Based Learning

Latin-based Vocabulary

Elements of Reasoning

Continental Math and Math Olympiad

College of William and Mary Curriculum

Speech and Debate classes

Technology Integration

Math Instruction:

Your child will utilize district-adopted curricula and materials for advanced learning along with higher level problem solving.

Literature Instruction:

Your child will participate in programs from Junior Great Books, curriculum from the College of William and Mary and a variety of novel studies involving the shared inquiry process.  A common thread for perspective-seeking, Socratic questioning and reflective thinking is woven through various literary genre.

Language / Writing Instruction:

The Self-Contained Program will utilize language materials based on curriculum developed by Michael Clay Thompson for gifted learners.  It represents a logical progression through the grade levels incorporating Latin word study as the building block to our English language.

Students will be guided through the reflective writing process and the state standards for writing.

Science and Social Studies Instruction:

State standards are met and embedded within the curriculum utilizing research processes, shared inquiry, perspective seeking and real-world problem solving. Opportunities will be provided for students to make worldly connections and concept exploration via a variety of materials. 

Self-contained gifted teachers — 2007-08:

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