Talent Development

All K-5 students are provided with opportunities to recognize and grow their talents by engaging in challenging tasks in the appropriate setting. At this early level of learning, classroom teachers and talent development educators look for potential areas of giftedness and use talent development strategies to develop student strengths and interests. 

• Differentiated Learning Opportunities are provided by the classroom teacher in grades K-5.

• Curiosity Lab provides a path for students in grades 2-3 to access extended or accelerated learning opportunities. Students who participate in Curiosity Lab have not typically accessed Talent Development in the past, based on our data.

• Accelerated Math in grades 3-5 provides a compacted grade-level curriculum along with advanced opportunities that are delivered at an accelerated pace.

• Extended Reading in grades 4-5 provides opportunities that extend grade-level standards with depth and complexity.

Kindergarten

• Classroom differentiation

Grade 1

• Classroom differentiation

Grade 2

• Students will be invited to participate in Curiosity Lab. Students will be exposed to math concepts that build background knowledge and math foundations. Groups are fluid throughout the school year and the Curiosity Lab teacher provides the lessons.
• All students have access to Extended Learning Math activities. The classroom teacher will provide the activities to students and are supported by the Talent Development math teacher.

Grade 3

• Students will be invited to participate in Curiosity Lab. Students will be exposed to concepts that build background knowledge and reading foundations. Groups are fluid throughout the school year and the Curiosity Lab teacher provides the lessons.
• All students have access to Extended Learning Math activities. The lessons will be provided by the classroom teacher and/or the Talent Development teacher.
• Students are invited to participate in Talent Development Accelerated Math classes that provide compacted standards with lessons delivered at an accelerated pace. These classes are taught by Talent Development math teachers.

Grades 4 and 5

• Students can access additional resources in Curiosity Lab to increase success in advanced learning.
• To ensure more students have the opportunity to participate all students have access to Extended Learning Math activities. The lessons will be provided by the classroom teacher and/or the Talent Development teacher.
• Students are invited to participate in Talent Development Accelerated Math and/or Extended Reading classes that are challenging, engaging, and faster-paced for learners to advance their strengths and interests.

The goal of Talent Development is to grow the talents of students by matching learning opportunities with student readiness. Talent Development teachers work with teachers, families, and students to make recommendations.

Portfolio definition

• Students in Edina Public Schools are assessed using a portfolio process that involves multiple measures.
• The portfolio is a multi-dimensional, collaborative assessment process that provides an overview of the student’s talents, potential, and performance.
• Data collected may come from classroom teachers, families, and other school staff who can speak to a child’s talents and performance. 

Portfolio components 

• Curiosity Lab Gr. 2-3: CogAT scores, performance on thinking skills activities, teacher recommendation
• Accelerated Math Gr. 3-5:  CogAT, FastBridge, IXL, MCA assessment scores, Extended Math classroom performance, teacher recommendation, Curiosity Lab performance
• Extended Reading Gr. 4-5: CogAT, FastBridge, IXL, MCA assessment scores, classroom performance, teacher recommendation, Curiosity Lab performance

Notification

• The Talent Development Teacher will notify families of participation in the program.

If a parent disagrees with the portfolio recommendation notify the building principal or Talent Development teacher in writing. The appellant will meet with the Talent Development teacher to review the data. New information may be introduced to review recommendation and propose a future course of action. With consultation with the Talent Development Coordinator, the building principal will make the final decision.

Concord

Talent Development Curiosity Lab/Accelerated Math: Erin Plasch - erin.plasch@edinaschools.org

Talent Development Curiosity Lab/Extended Reading: Chad Forslin - chad.forslin@edinaschools.org

Cornelia

Talent Development Curiosity Lab/Accelerated Math/Extended Reading Grade 4: Gina Felton - gina.felton@edinaschools.org 

Talent Development Accelerated Math/Extended Reading Grade 5: Megan Hanlon - megan.hanlon@edinaschools.org 

Countryside

Talent Development Accelerated Math: Paul Tessmer-Tuck - paul.tessmertuck@edinaschools.org 

Talent Development/Extended Reading: Katy Hammel - Katy.Hammel@edinaschools.org 

Creek Valley

Talent Development Accelerated Math/Extended Reading: Jessaca Veneman - jessaca.veneman@edinaschools.org 

Talent Development Curiosity LabRemove Extended Reading: Kirsti Wenner - kirsti.wenner@edinaschools.org 

Highlands

Talent Development Accelerated Math/Extended Reading: Erica Wattson - erica.wattson@edinaschools.org 

Talent Development Curiosity Lab: Kristen Brovold - kristin.brovold@edinaschools.org  

Normandale

Talent Development Curiosity Lab/Accelerated Math: Kirsten Horstman - kirsten.horstman@edinaschools.org 

Talent Development Curiosity Lab/Extended Reading: Carly Bass - Carly.Bass@edinaschools.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High School Talent Development programming moves from expertise within a discipline to authentic learning. Students self-select courses based on prerequisites. Edina High School has a robust offering of opportunities for students to study and learn at an advanced level in nearly every content area, including:

• 32 AP courses

• Accelerated and Enriched courses

• Concurrent enrollment through various colleges and universities (PSEO)

• Student travel experiences domestically and abroad

• Student exchange program 

• Independent study

• Credit for prior learning

• Leadership opportunities

• Extracurricular activities and clubs

More information is available on the Edina High School website.

EHS Counselors
952-848-3339