Canyons School District’s SALTA (Supporting Advanced Learners Toward Achievement) Program is all about supporting the unique abilities and thirst for knowledge of gifted and talented learners.
We believe in challenging their minds, fostering curiosity, and nurturing their leadership potential. Our tailored learning experiences are designed to match their individual characteristics, allowing them to explore subjects in greater depth, ask thought-provoking questions, and respond creatively.
With a focus on critical thinking, creativity, research, and communication skills, we aim to equip our gifted students with the tools they need to excel academically and make a positive impact on our schools, district, and community.
Join us in cultivating brilliance and unleashing the full potential of our advanced learners!
Interested families complete the SALTA Request for Testing Form on our website during the September 6 – October 6, 2023 registration window.
Testing is offered at every CSD school during the regular school day. Students testing from October 23-November 17, 2023, who meet our qualification criteria, will be offered placement for the 2024-2025 school year.
Any interested families can elect to have their child tested.
Teachers can recommend testing for the SALTA program to a student’s family at any time, ideally at fall Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Testing is free and occurs at each school during the regular day within our testing window. There is no obligation to the teacher that the student does or does not ultimately qualify for the program.
In the classroom gifted students may:
Gifted students learn and process information differently than their age-level peers and show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels given opportunities to develop their talents. Gifted learners exist from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Though no single profile encompasses all gifted learners, they often exhibit common traits, including.
Remember, while these characteristics can indicate giftedness, they might not appear in every gifted student, and some students may display some traits more prominently than others. It’s important to consider a holistic view of the student’s abilities and behaviors and to collaborate with families in the identification process.
Learn more here: NAGC’s Common Characteristics of Individuals, Recognizing Gifted Students: A Practical Guide for Teachers, Manifestation of Characteristics of Gifted Learners.
Instruction for SALTA students is designed to challenge academically advanced learners and promote critical thinking, reasoning, creativity, research, communication, and interpersonal skills.
By combining the SALTA Performance Standards with grade-level Utah Core Standards, the Depth and Complexity Framework, and principles of personalized learning, teachers guide SALTA students to go deeper into subjects and explore complex concepts and relationships.
The pace of learners is often faster, as gifted students typically require less repetition to achieve mastery. SALTA classrooms aim to provide enrichment opportunities that emphasize real-world problem-solving and the application of knowledge to address complex issues relevant to the student’s interests.
Teachers in the SALTA program also have specialized training in the form of a Gifted and Talented Endorsement to understand the unique needs of gifted students better and implement appropriate strategies.
Canyons School District currently offers Gifted and Talented Endorsement courses in conjunction with Utah Valley University.
Additional Bite-sized PDs and targeted learning opportunities on the Depth & Complexity framework will be available fall of 2023.
For more information, contact Halley Kirk at halley.kirk@canyonsdistrict.org.
Suppose a student in your class has previously tested for SALTA and met qualification criteria but opted not to attend our magnet schools. In that case, they are coded with a ‘G’ on Skyward and DataDashboard.
For grades 6-8:
Gifted and Talented Specialist
halley.kirk@canyonsdistrict.org
9361 S. 300 East
Sandy, Utah 84070
801-826-5000
communications@canyonsdistrict.org
If a movie about super teachers were ever made, Lucie Chamberlain would be a prime candidate for a leading role. Fortunately for her kindergarten students at Alta View Elementary, she already thrives in a supporting role for them. Parents thank her for being a “super teacher.” She is also described as an “amazing colleague.” Whether students need help in the classroom or from home while sick, Lucie goes above and beyond to help them learn, overcome fears, and feel important and cared for. Lucie is the reason a number of kids went from hating school to loving it, according to parents. The way she exudes patience, sweetness, positive energy, and love for her students with special needs melts is appreciated and admired. One parent noted: “Both my kids wish she could be their teacher forever.” Another added: “She treats every student like their learning and their feelings are her priority.” Super teacher, indeed!
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