Project Promise 2004-2008
Project PROMISE was a collaborative and integrated model for teaching and learning in the primary grades (K-3) to enhance instructional flexibility, develop science curriculum, and improve the identification of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds for gifted education services.
The curriculum, instruction, and research-based best practices were developed and field tested in a scaffolded format over four years, in three school divisions. Project PROMISE teachers initially incorporated modified curriculum and instruction into existing science blocks. Further training enabled those teachers to develop their own differentiated curriculum, thus ensuring that all of their students have an opportunity to explore science concepts, to conduct research, and to demonstrate advanced learning behaviors indicative of gifted learners. The project was developed through the federal Jacob K. Javits Grant, awarded to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), in partnership with The College of William and Mary, Greensville County, Martinsville City, and Prince William County Public Schools. A unique mentorship model was designed to match two demonstration divisions, Greensville County and Martinsville City Public Schools, with a source division, Prince William County Public Schools. Originally a three-year grant, it was extended for a fourth year to provide additional field testing and data collection.
The Project PROMISE model has proven effective in increasing the achievement scores of the students in science and reading comprehension, and has increased the confidence and professional skills of the teachers. In addition, the Project PROMISE teachers declare that their ability to recognize gifted behaviors in economically disadvantaged students has improved dramatically.
Goals
- To recognize giftedness and high potential in kindergarten through grade three students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and
- To provide students with those learning strategies and skills that will empower them to be successful in gifted education programs where active learning through problem solving, critical and creative thinking, and integrative content are emphasized.
Components
- Science curriculum for grades K-3, a hands-on, problem-based, inquiry in Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.
- Professional development workshops (PDF) including:
- Understanding Characteristics of Giftedness
- Understanding the Effects of Poverty on Gifted Behaviors
- Classroom Management for Effective Problem-based Learning
- Science Content Knowledge and Skills
- Questioning Strategies for Advanced Thinking Skills
- Writing Problem-based Curriculum
- Improving the Identification of Students from Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds for Gifted Education Services
- Evaluation of the project
Project PROMISE Overview Presentation
This overview presentation (PPT) is a program overview that may be presented to school boards, advisory boards, principals, or others interested in basic information and performance data for the program.
Video 1