Colorado Virtual Academy G & T: A Focus on the Whole Child

When the Colorado Virtual Academy (COVA) began discussions about four years ago to add a gifted and talented (GATE) program to their curriculum, the perfect solution was already in place. COVA's 3000 students already used curriculum developed by K¹², the nation's leading provider of e-learning solutions for kindergarten through high school. COVA teachers and administrators knew that the K¹² curriculum, with its flexible and rigorous instructional methods, wove new technology into traditional lessons, and had the power to help GATE students get the specialized knowledge they needed.

In-Depth Knowledge

"The K¹² curriculum provides depth of knowledge," says Heidi Heineke-Magri, assistant principal for K–8 at COVA (which is based in the Denver suburb of Thornton and is a charter school based out of Adams 12 Five Star District). Each subject contains more than 300 online lessons that integrate with a variety of physical materials ranging from books to scientific equipment to manipulatives, so children with a particular interest can "deep dive" on the subject they are studying. This richness of content made the K¹² curriculum particularly appealing for a GATE program.

Advanced Learning Plan

The focus of the GATE program is fourfold: academic placement; a child's particular interest area; a social/emotional component centered on clubs and activities; and community service to help the child develop a spirit of volunteerism. Each gifted student has an Advanced Learning Plan that focuses on specific goals developed by COVA GATE representatives, the student, the parents, and the COVA teacher. Parents and students can also participate in workshops, meet quarterly with other GATE students, participate in support groups, and join clubs along with other students. "I have found that the GATE program has offered many unique opportunities for our kids, and, as a parent, I feel that I have benefited greatly from the GATE symposiums," says Laura Zervas, parent of a COVA student. "They have helped me to look at my children's education and see that their individual needs are efficiently met through the K¹² curriculum."

Individualized Learning Designed for the Whole Child

The K¹² curriculum is also adaptable for exceptional students, or disabled children who qualify for GATE. These children may be working above level in one or more subjects while working at or below level in others. "K¹² and COVA are dedicated to instruction that challenges and motivates (GATE) students to achieve at an optimal level so they may grow to be fulfilled, productive, and contributing members of the community," says Michal Nokovic, GT District Coordinator at Adams 12 Five Star School District. As the GATE program developed, it became evident that this school understood the obligation of addressing the educational needs of students who are talented and gifted."

Since the program's inception, COVA GATE students have participated in the Science Olympiad, placing 12th in the state and the Rocky Mountain Talent Search, winning PLUS Exam Highest Honors and Honors, ACT Exam Honors, and SAT Exam Highest. COVA students' participation in competitions will continue this school year, with the addition of a team competing in the LEGO Robotics competition.

Solutions Inside and Outside of the Box

The high-quality K¹² curriculum offers a myriad of flexible options to educators. With a focus on the whole child, the teachers at Colorado Virtual Academy's gifted and talented (GATE) program are using this innovative curriculum to help kids discover their full potential.