Does my child have to be identified as TAG (Talented and Gifted) to take Education Soaring classes?
No. Education Soaring students do not have to be identified as gifted for a variety of reasons. Many schools do not identify children for gifted and talented programs until the third grade. Some children have dual exceptionalities that prevent them from being identified as gifted. Lower scores in one area of a test can cancel out higher scores in another resulting in a nongifted full-scale score. Some children cannot be accurately tested due to the fact that they are English language learners. And many homeschooled children are never formally tested for giftedness.
Many children hold significant strengths in areas of great interest to them. Intellectually gifted or not, children who bring passion, experience, talent and motivation to particular academic areas are well-suited to the Education Soaring setting.
What do you mean by the term "capable, motivated students?"
We use the term "capable, motivated students" to describe children who bring passionate interests and above-the-norm knowledge to particular domains and are motivated to learn more in those domains or new ones. Intrinsic motivation to learn is key to success at Education Soaring.
Can children who live outside of the Portland area attend classes?
Absolutely. Education Soaring classes are available to children from all areas. Children from more than fifty schools and districts in six states have attended Education Soaring Summer Programs.
We live in Seattle. Do you know of a similar program here?
We are not aware of any. Education Soaring was developed because a comparable, affordable program could not be found.
Do you provide consulting services for students or for parents whose children who are not gifted, but need accommodations at school?
Yes, we offer a variety of services. Please call 503.255.SOAR for more information.
Why is Education Soaring such a great program for gifted children?
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Our teachers understand the characteristics and needs of gifted children and teach accordingly. Characteristics such as intensity and perfectionism can be viewed as problematic in mainstream educational settings. Such characteristics are valued in Education Soaring classes.
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We match students with courses, teachers, and peers to ensure appropriate instruction and social opportunities.
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Our courses emphasize sophisticated, relevant, high-interest content.
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We have invested thousands of dollars in educational materials and technology that are ideally suited to maximize the learning needs of gifted children.
Do you provide scholarships for students to attend Education Soaring classes?
We provide as much financial aid as possible to students whose families need and request it, and for whom our program is an excellent match. Please call 503.253.3486 for information or email questions to Kristine Fosback at info@educationsoaring.com.
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